THESE two teams with proud traditions but currently making few headlines shared the spoils in a low-key UniBond First Division encounter in which most of the action was reserved for the late stages.

It was Chorley's third consecutive draw in league games, though they had chances enough to pick up all three points against a young and relatively inexperienced Albion side.

The Magpies got off to a great start with a well-worked goal after just four minutes. David Sutch released Peter Smyth down the left and he picked out Danny Mills who calmly drilled a low shot in-off the post.

Andy Mason twice had clear chances to double Chorley's advantage, the impressive former Macclesfield keeper Greg Price saving at the expense of a corner, from which Mason headed straight into his arms.

Witton gradually began to gain a hold on proceedings and Peter Crane was only just wide with a delightfully curled shot but Albion equalised soon afterwards when in the 31st minute Mike Moseley slid in to convert a Carl Rendell cross at the far post.

Much of the second half was largely uneventful, apart from a decent effort from Mason from 25 yards which flew narrowly wide. Defences were well on top, with the restored Ian Leather and Lee Molyneux standing out for Chorley.

But in the final 15 minutes both teams could easily have secured victory. Price got down quickly to turn aside Sutch's goalbound header in brilliant style and at the other end Rendell dived to head inches wide with Simon Marsh beaten.

The Chorley keeper then pulled off a tremendous reflex save from Rendell's point-blank header with three minutes to go, before Chorley all but won the match themselves when, from Sutch's pass Mills struck a low shot which seemed destined for the corner of the net until that man Price produced another stunning save.

RESULT: WITTON ALBION... 1 CHORLEY...1

CHORLEY manager Ken Wright has added to his defensive options be re-signing Graham Hicks, following his release by Rochdale. Hicks spent three months on loan at Victory Park last season, making 15 appearances.