To add to that Neil Baker had to contend with both Dan Trickett-Smith and Tim Grice being ruled out through injury. The pair having scored 12 goals between them this season.

Rob Stevenson returned to the starting line-up in place of Trickett-Smith whilst Danny Roberts was in goal after Ben Chapman was delayed in returning from a trip abroad.

Leek started brightly and had a couple of half chances early on with both Lewis Short and Stevenson firing over.

The first warning for Blues came in the 17th minute when Elliott Newby flashed a shot across goal just wide of the post. Newby had another effort on goal three minutes later but Roberts made the save.

The Magpies took the lead on 24 minutes when a neat move was finished off with Marcus Carver tucking the ball away from close range.

Two minutes later it was 2-0 when Carver was brought down in the box by Charlie Walford and Adam Blakeman blasted home the penalty.

Blues almost pulled a goal back immediately when Lewis Short shot across the goalkeeper, the ball hit the inside of the post and bounced out with Jordan Johnson just unable to connect.

The game was then effectively over on the half hour when Chorley worked the ball down the left and the cross was easily headed home by Dale Whitham for their third goal in six minutes.

Walford saw a 25-yard effort fly just over prior to half-time but Chorley were in a comfortable position.

Baker made two half-time subs with Mat Bailey and Billy Reeves coming on for Walford and Short and he changed the system with Bailey making it three centre-backs.

Reeves had a decent effort on goal in the 57th minute beaten away by the keeper and Roberts did well to keep out a low shot from Jordan Lusey on 72 minutes.

However in general the second half was a pretty tepid affair with the Magpies pretty content with their lead and Blues ensuring the defeat was not any heavier.

Overall, no disgrace to go down 3-0 to a clearly superior side, Town now return to league action with the visit of Widnes on Tuesday night.

Line-up:

1. Danny Roberts
2. Niall Green
3. Lewis Short (14. Mat Bailey, 46)
4. Marc Grocott
5. Scott Lycett
6. Darren Chadwick
7. Charlie Walford (15. Billy Reeves, 46)
8. Sam Hall (16. Niall Maguire, 74)
9. Jordan Johnson
10. Andy McWilliams
11. Rob Stevenson

Unused subs: 12. Jesse Bavanganga 17. Joe Kearns

Yellow Cards: Mat Bailey, Billy Reeves

Attendance: 746