MIDFIELD man Scott Bradford, who played a big part in Squires Gate's win over Chorley in last season's Lancashire FA Trophy, has joined the Magpie ranks.

Bradford is one of a number of players snapped up by manager Ken Wright as he sets his sights on promotion back to the UniBond Premier Division.

Noel Corrigan, a 21-year-old midfield player who was a Bolton Wanderers junior, has signed for Chorley, along with forward David Sutch from Blackrod.

But defender Barry Hart, who helped Clitheroe to runners-up spot in the North West Counties League last season, has turned down the chance to join the Magpies.

Manager Wright said: "We've had an eye on him for some time, but at the moment work commitments have ruled out a move.

"We have left the door open in case the situation changes."

Striker Andy Mason, another close-season signing, will be keen to get on the scoresheet when the Magpies take on Daisy Hill tonight (Thursday).

Chorley will have a stern test when Nationwide Conference side Leigh RMI, who are managed by former Magpie defender Steve Waywell, visit Victory Park on Saturday.

Mason was unlucky to have a goal disallowed in Saturday's 2-1 win at Salford, following an infringement by a colleague.

Danny Mills, last season's leading marksman, hit the winner a few minutes after the home side's equaliser following an own goal by the Salford keeper, who punched the ball in while under pressure from Mills.

The Chorley manager was pleased with the side's performances in the friendlies -- Mills scored the consolation goal in a 4-1 defeat by a strong Morecambe team on Thursday.

"I am still looking at two or three players to further strengthen the side," said Wright.

Chorley were hit during the Morecambe match by an injury to keeper Damien Rooney, standing in for regular choice Simon Marsh, who turned on his ankle in training.

Rooney hurt his head and had to be replaced by Paul Eatock, who deputised for Marsh on two occasions last season.

Striker Matt Swailes, who scored 10 goals in 51 appearances (13 of them as sub) last season, has left Chorley. He is understood to have joined St Helens Town.