Chorley 0 Frickley Athletic 0

CHORLEY's first goalless league game of the season was not one which will live long in the memory.

Indeed there have probably been worse matches than this at Victory Park but off hand, I can't think of one.

The game began with a series of niggly fouls but a flash point occurred when Armstrong's challenge left Simms writhing in agony. The Magpies' captain Ian Harold objected to the tackle and a red card seemed certain as a major melee ensued. However the ref produced two yellow cards.

Chances were rare though Marsh twice did well to save with his legs from Armstrong and Haran and also spectacularly blocked Hatto's fierce shot.

The first opportunity fell to the Magpies when Frickley keeper Goldsborough dropped Ashcroft's teasing cross but Jones's header was scrambled clear.

Chorley's fluidity had not been helped by the early departure of Molloy with an injury but they rarely put together any cohesive moves and the second half was no improvement on the first.

Frickley missed an absolute sitter when the Magpies defence failed to clear a corner and from under the bar Fothersgill completely missed his kick when any touch would have meant a goal.

After being fouled consistently all afternoon, Swailes eventually retaliated against Hilton sparking another fracas which ended with a booking for the Magpies young striker.

Another controversial moment saw Marsh get in a tangle with his defence and ended up blocking Armstrong's shot with his hands outside the box. Under the current laws such an offence can only mean a red card but Marsh was indeed fortunate only to be shown the yellow - one of a total of nine in the match.

Chorley almost grabbed a late winner when the subdued Thomson burst clear only to be thwarted by the post. In truth a win would have been undeserved.

This Saturday Chorley travel to Winsford, the supporters' coach leaves at 1.30pm and costs £5. Ring Fraser Hilton on 234853 to book a seat. Next Tuesday Chorley entertain Altrincham in the second leg of the League Cup semi-final.

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