A NEW manager and a new team, but in some ways an old result - the Magpies 12th of the current campaign.

The Magpies' line-up included seven new faces although two of them, Steve Eyres and Gary Thomas, had previously turned out in Chorley shirts.

This new-look Chorley side made a blistering start. Hussin's corner appeared to be hooked over the line by Shaughnessy, but when the ball was cleared Hussin collected only to be tripped by Scott.

The referee had no hesitation in awarding the Magpies their first league penalty of the season and, after lengthy Gateshead protests had finally been quelled, Hussin sent Swan the wrong way from the spot.

Chorley looked sharp with Steele and Shaughnessy lively up front and Lambert and Hussin prominent in midfield. Gateshead, outsiders for the title, were on the back foot.

However, against the run of play, the visitors levelled on 26 minutes when Harman misjudged the flight of a through ball and, despite an initial block from Marsh, the ball broke free for Preen to roll in the equaliser. His goal meant the sides went in level at the interval, but it didn't take long for Chorley to regain the lead.

A left wing free kick was flicked on by Shaughnessy, headed down by Lambert into the path of Thomas who buried a daisy-cutter into the bottom corner.

As the game ebbed and flowed Gateshead came back to level again when Leather's slip let in Fletcher whose shot came back off the post to Bowey. His theatrical dive from Jones' legitimate tackle convinced the linesman it was worth a penalty. Bowey climbed off his death bed to score from the spot.

An encouraging start for new manager Dalton Steele (pictured) in many ways, but with Spennymoor winning at Accrington, overall not as good as it may have been.

This Saturday Chorley travel to mid-table Blyth Spartans hopeful to record their first win under their new manager. The supporters' coach leaves at 11 o'clock and costs £10. Ring Fraser on 234853 to book a seat.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.