Ossett Town FC 0, Chorley FC 1

A DETERMINED performance from an understrength Chorley team deservedly won the Magpies a place in the first qualifying round of the FA Cup and a home tie with another UniBond first division side, Trafford.

Manager Ken Wright was forced to field rookie keeper Mick Swarbrick because of a foot injury to Simon Marsh and also missing, owing to family emergencies, were influential midfielder Peter Smythe and striker Paul Thomson.

But Swarbrick was given such excellent cover by a composed and disciplined Chorley defence that he did not have to make a difficult save.

The only real scare for the Magpies came on the half hour when a Matt Smithard shot was headed off the line by the outstanding Damian Corcoran.

The vital goal came on 41 minutes in classic breakaway style.

A promising looking Ossett attack broke down and Chris Blakeman pumped the ball forward to Matt Swailes who outpaced the home defence before cleverly dummying keeper Andy Potter and striking the ball into the empty net.

The Magpies might easily have extended their lead after the break, particularly through late efforts by Swailes and substitute Ian Barker which Potter was at full stretch to keep out.