REPORT: Trafford 2-1 Chorley
Magpies narrowly beaten at Trafford.
CHORLEY were narrowly beaten 2-1 by Trafford in their latest pre-season outing, with a late goal at Shawe View condemning Andy Preece's side to defeat.
The hosts made the perfect start, breaking the deadlock inside two minutes when Kyle Worsley curled a superb free-kick beyond the goalkeeper from the edge of the penalty area.
The Magpies gradually grew into the contest after a sluggish opening and almost found an immediate response. Warren Clarke headed over moments after Elliot Taylor had been played through on goal, although the assistant referee's flag was already up for offside.
Chorley deservedly drew level just before the interval through Callum Rowe. The midfielder let fly from distance, with his powerful effort taking an awkward bounce in front of the goalkeeper before nestling in the back of the net.
Preece's side made a bright start to the second half and came within inches of taking the lead when Adam Blakeman's fierce free-kick was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar.
The Magpies made a number of changes after the break, with Jacob Cummins once again making a lively impact from the bench. The youngster thought he had fired Chorley ahead, only for the offside flag to deny him, before later seeing another promising opportunity go begging.
Taylor was also denied his first Magpies goal by an excellent save, while Mark Ellis saw a powerful long-range effort whistle narrowly over the crossbar.
Trafford, however, snatched victory late on when Dillon Edmundson raced through and calmly slotted home the winner.
The Magpies now return to the Grant Store Victory Park Stadium on Friday evening to take on Manchester City's Under-21s in their penultimate pre-season fixture.
