CHORLEY came back from 2-0 down thanks to goals from Andy Mason and grab a point which takes them close to qualifying for the quarter-finals of one of the Unibond League Knockout competitions.

An otherwise disappointing Cup tie sprang to life in the last 20 minutes but the main talking point was the eight bookings and dismissal of Marine captain Gary Randles for a second cautionable offence seven minutes from the end.

After a largely uninspiring first half the introduction of substitute Will Dolan pepped up the Merseysiders who took the lead on 53 minutes when a fine move led to Dolan crossing perfectly for Ricky Bainbridge to tap-in. Marine doubled their lead in the 71st minute when a virtual carbon copy build-up again unlocked the Chorley defence and this time Dolan applied the easiest of finishes at the far post to Stuart Gelling's low centre.

But crucially for Chorley Mason got them back in the match within two minutes, rising high to meet Peter Smyth's free kick and beat ex-Magpie keeper Chris Clarke with a firm header.

As the temperature on the field rose considerably, a flurry of yellow cards culminated in the dismissal of Randles and then with three minutes to go following a melee in the visitors' penalty area Ian Leather appeared to fire the Magpies level. But the referee had already blown his whistle to award Chorley a penalty for hand ball and in the ensuing protests two more Marine players went into the official's notebook.

Mason coolly survived the delay to tuck away a spot kick and register his 16th goal of the season.

The final round of Group Stage matches in a fortnight will determine Chorley's fate but unless Radcliffe Borough defeat Accrington Stanley, the Magpies will qualify regardless of whether they themselves avoid defeat at Dark Lane against Rossendale Utd who are already eliminated.

CHORLEY... 2 MARINE... 2