A CROWD of 183 - the same total as for the Ossett Albion game - saw Chorley put in a strong first-half performance against UniBond new boys Rossendale United at Victory Park in midweek.

Had the Magpies cashed in on some of their early chances they would probably have won, instead of going down 2-0.

Andy Mason missed a penalty before Rossendale opened their account with a deflected goal, but the big talking point was the fact that the Rossendale keeper wasn't even cautioned after bringing down the Magpie marksman.

AFTER 22 First Division matches Chorley have three league everpresents - goalkeeper Simon Marsh, striker Andy Mason and defender Ian Leather. Mason has been substitute once, Leather four times. Defender Danny Kent has made 20 league appearances, including seven as sub and midfield man Noel Corrigan 19, including four as sub.

MIDFIELD man Harvey Cunningham, the 33-year-old former Doncaster Rovers player, has been released after making two appearances for Chorley.

Cunningham, who joined the Magpies from Droylsden last month, played in the 1-0 defeats at Guiseley and Gretna. Manager Ken Wright said: "Harvey would have been a useful signing and we would soon have got him match fit, but his wage demands as an experienced player didn't fit into our financial structure."

ANDY MASON, who has scored four of Chorley's last eight First Division goals, has netted 22 in 34 league and cup matches (before this week's Group 4 League Cup qualifier at Rossendale).

On the league front he has scored 14 of the team's 29 goals, with David Eatock on four, Danny Mills three, Ian Barker, David Sutch and Neil Mitchell each having scored two. Scott Bradford and Ian Leather have scored one each.