Radcliffe Borough ... 0 Chorley ... 1 DURING his previous spell as Chorley manager, Ken Wright seemed to have a midas touch in the FA Cup and, perhaps, that touch is still there.

Certainly Chorley produced a fine display in this season's Manchester United-less competition to progress through a further round, still without conceding a goal.

Overall, this was a scrappy game, spoilt to a large extent by a strong wind but won by a truly exceptional goal.

Chorley were well served by all of the side; solid defensively, tenacious in midfield and the Barker-Evans striking combination providing a constant menace.

The Magpies should have taken an early lead when Radcliffe keeper Berryman dropped a Simms cross. Barker, however, was falling backwards and hooked his shot over the bar.

Evans then just failed to profit from confusion between Berryman and Parker.

Generally, however, the first half produced few incidents of note with neither keeper overworked.

The second period was altogether more lively. Just after the hour Radcliffe were reduced to ten men when captain Mark Dempsey was shown the inevitable red card for a vicious elbow on Senior.

Marsh, belatedly called into action, then saved well from Conden's header and Mullin's fierce angled drive while Simms came close for the Magpies with a shot that whistled narrowly wide.

With a replay on the cards Chorley broke the deadlock with three minutes left courtesy of a quite brilliant goal.

Simms found Fleming with a crossfield pass and Fleming slipped the ball up the line to Barker. The rangy striker sold a delightful dummy before crossing for Evans who, with remarkable athleticism somehow backheeled a remarkable bicycle kick over the helpless Berryman.

Goal of the season? Don't bet against it!

In injury time Radcliffe almost grabbed a replay trip to Victory Park when substitute Neil Mitchell needlessly conceded a free-kick just outside the area which ex-Magpie Tony Carroll crashed against the bar. The rebound was cleared and Chorley deservedly progressed.

The Magpies are now only two games away from the first round proper and the chance of a money-spinning tie against a league club. First they must get through a tough tie at Barrow or Marine.

This Saturday Chorley travel to Farsley Celtic and next Tuesday they entertain Burscough in the League Cup.

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