Runcorn FC 2 Chorley 1 BACK-to-back defeats have all but mathematically condemned Chorley to relegation and left Dalton Steele still seeking his first win since taking charge five games ago.

Despite the injection of new blood - a virtual entire new team has arrived at Victory Park in the last month or so - the performances remain disappointing with scoring goals still a major problem.

The midweek visit of Guiseley saw the Magpies fail to find the net for the second game running.

Guiseley took the points with goals in each half, both from corners to complete a remarkable unbeaten run against Chorley. The Magpies have played their Yorkshire opponents no fewer than six times this season and not won any of them. No doubt Guiseley will be very upset if Chorley do go down!

Saturday's trip to Runcorn produced more gloom. The game kicked off at 1pm because of England's game, but Chorley never got going in the opening period.

The dangerous Watson blasted an early chance over and was than denied by a wonderful reflex save from Marsh.

In a rare attack, Lambert saw a header cleared off the line with Jones heading the rebound wastefully wide.

On the 26th minute, Runcorn took the lead when Watson outstripped Eyre and cut the ball back for McNally to thump past Marsh. The second half saw Chorley playing down the slope and their performance certainly improved.

Three times they saw headers cleared off the line as they laid siege to Morris's goal, forcing a string of corners along the way.

From one of these, Nolan contrived to head against his own post - a huge slice of luck for the home side.

The Magpies though had their luck too, with Marsh fortunate only to receive a yellow card after flattening Watson outside the area.

With five minutes left, Chorley deservedly equalised when substitute Carroll flicked on Eyre's long ball and Shaugnessey calmly slid the ball wide of Morris.

Even a point would have been of little use to the Magpies, but Runcorn regained the lead when Rose reacted quickest to a left wing cross to shoot past Marsh.

This Saturday Chorley travel to Marine. The supporters' coach leaves at 1.15pm. Ring Fraser on 234853 to book.

On Easter Monday Chorley play Lancaster in their last home fixture, kick off 3pm. Today (April 1) sees the Supporters' Club player-of-the-year evening at Victory Park, 8.30pm. Admission is 50p.

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