Ossett Town 3, Chorley 3

CHORLEY are throwing away late goals -- and points -- with an alarming regularity and they are now wallowing firmly in the icy wastes of mid table . . .

In the past couple of weeks they have had to settle for a point against Radcliffe Borough, gone down to a home defeat against Workington, and been held by Ossett Town. All because of late goals; twice in virtually the last minute.

However, this eventful afternoon in Yorkshire left Chorley wondering whether this was a point gained or two lost.

On a quite appalling pitch Chorley recovered from two down to lead 3-2 only to concede that last-minute leveller.

The Magpies dominated the first period territorially without being able to turn their superiority into a goal. Eatock was a constant threat, almost breaking the deadlock with a delightful chip. However, right on half-time, Ossett snatched the lead in a rare attack, Wilson heading a right wing corner in off the bar.

Swailes crafted a great chance at the start of the second half but Eatock's finish was weak.

In the 50th minute Ossett scored a lucky second when a bout of penalty area ping-pong ending with Ryan shooting home.

Chorley were becoming increasingly frustrated by a series of marginal offside decisions going against them and it was becoming difficult to see where a goal was going to come from.

Lady Luck then lent a hand as Ossett suffered a self-inflicted 'stab' wound. Marsh launched a huge kick downfield and full back Stab directed a superb header into his own net over the stranded keeper. As own goals go, it was a connoisseur's delight.

Ten minutes later two of the Magpies substitutes combined for the equaliser. Barker raced to the by-line before delivering a superb cross which was bravely headed home by the diving Critchley.

With five minutes left Chorley went ahead. Third substitute Fisher eluded Murphys crude challenge before setting up Barker for the simplest of finishes.

However the game had yet one more twist. A foul by Blakeman just outside the box led to Murphy thumping his shot through the wall and into the corner.

Chorley's mid-week home game against Workington resulted in a 2-1 defeat, Robert Ennis opening the visitors' account and hitting the later winner after Matt Swailes had flicked home a corner for an early lead.

On Saturday Chorley entertain high-riding Farsley Celtic and next Tuesday have a rearranged home game with Gretna. Celtic are third in the Unibond Division One table behind runaway leaders Vauxhall Motors and have one of the best defences in the league.

Gretna are just below Chorley but have played two games fewer. If the Magpies can avoid throwing away late goals they might pick up a few points and finally kick-start their so-far-disappointing season.