Chorley 1 Farsley Celtic 4

YET another disappointing defeat for Chorley, but the scoreline only tells part of the story.

Referee Mr Bell reduced Chorley to nine men before the interval with a display that was extraordinary even by normal Unibond standards.

Chorley started well with Farsley keeper Sutcliffe saving well at Eatock's feet, before the Magpies took a 16th minute lead.

Wallace's corner was headed back by Corcoran and Swailes found the net with a stunning overhead kick.

The lead, though, only lasted ten minutes before dozy defending enabled ex-Magpie Blackstone to head in Wharton's cross.

Then the controversy began.

Wallace's jinking run was ended by Perrin's cynical trip just outside the box but the referee awarded just the free kick and produced no card.

Minutes later Corcoran's tackle on Whellans just inside the half seemed perfectly timed but the referee thought otherwise, not only awarding a free kick but showing a stunned Corcoran the red card!

Minutes later Hook was also dismissed for swearing at a linesman, a comment that apparently contained just one swear word and if Hook was the only player guilty of that during this 90 minutes, it would be truly staggering.

At half-time the officials left to a barrage of abuse and objects thrown by irate Magpie fans.

Before the interval Blackstone put Farsley in front and early in the second half Whellans made it 3-1 with a delightful chip.

Chorley's depleted ranks hung on gamely for the second period, succumbing in the last couple of minutes when substitute Reagan got Celtics fourth.

Chorley will certainly find themselves in hot water over the crowd disturbances.

Chorley travel to Congleton on Saturday, October 28.