A SCRUFFY game, but ultimately three comfortable points for Chorley against relegation-threatened Ossett Albion.

The victory avenged the Magpies' last-minute defeat at Ossett last month, when they provided a shocker of a performance.

This was markedly better, though it must be said Ossett were one of the poorest sides ever seen at Victory Park.

Chorley started on the offensive and Bradford squandered a couple of decent early chances, while O'Donnell volleyed narrowly wide for the visitors.

For once the Victory Park surface seemed a bit sub-standard and this made for an error-strewn match.

Ten minutes before half-time the Magpies grabbed the lead when Fleming's cross was headed back by Mason for Barker to finish from point-blank range.

Shortly after the break Chorley made it two.

Mason broke clear only to be tripped inside the area by keeper Carney and Mr Blackburn immediately pointed to the spot and showed Carney the yellow card.

Mason took the penalty only to hit the bar, but Barker got his head to the rebound and Mason forced the loose ball in for his 20th goal of the season.

The Magpies were particularly well served by David Lowe in midfield and he twice came close to getting a third, bringing a fine save from Carney and seeing a shot blocked. In the last minute Chorley rounded things off when Barker got clear on the right and squared the ball for substitute Eatock to score from a few yards out. Unusually the goal came so close to the end that the referee didn't even bother to re-start the game.

This Saturday Chorley are at home again when they entertain Matlock Town.

Chorley 3 Ossett Albion 0