Chorley FC Match Preview

ASHTON UNITED VS CHORLEY F.C.
DATE: SATURDAY 8th SEPTEMBER 2018
KO: 15:00
VENUE: Hurst Cross, Surrey Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 8DY.

The Robins fell to an unfortunate defeat last time out against A.F.C. Telford United, with the match ending 2-1. Ashton led after 38 minutes, with John McAtee slotting home after a good ball by Tomsett. However, a bizarre deflection led to Telford gaining an equaliser on the 64th minute. Further misery for Ashton followed with a game ending injury to Aaron Chalmers after the Robins had used all 3 substitutes. This lead to the team having to continue with 10 men. Ashton fought bravely to hold on, but eventually Telford took advantage of the numbers difference and their young striker Udoh sealed the win for the Bucks in the 85’ minute.
Jody Banim and the team won’t have it any easier this week, as they look to do something only 1 other team has managed this season and take points off league leaders Chorley. Chorley’s unbeaten record is in big part due to their exceptional defence, having kept a clean sheet in 6 of their 8 opening fixtures.
Chorley will be hoping to get on track with another win against the Robins, after dropping their first points of the season in a 2-2 draw with Brackley Town, so the Robins will have to at their best to earn a result.

ONE TO WATCH:
The one to watch for this game is Chorley defender Stephen Jordan. The 36-year-old is an experienced defender who has played at multiple levels across the football league and even the Premier League, beginning his senior career at Manchester City in 1999 and after making 53 appearances and a loan spell to Cambridge United, he left in 2007 to join Burnley. Jordan made 77 appearances for the Clarets and was part of the 2009 squad that gained promotion to the Premier League in 2009.
After leaving Burnley, spells at Sheffield United, Huddersfield Town, Rochdale and Dunfermline Athletic followed before Jordan joined Fleetwood Town in 2013. In his last season with Fleetwood he was instrumental in preventing Fleetwood dropping out of the football league.
He joined Chorley in 2016 and has been a key figure since, especially during this season, where he has been vital to Chorley’s impressive start as an important cog in their imperious defence.

LAST TIME WE MET:
The last time Ashton United and Chorley F.C. met in a competitive fixture was in the 2014/15 season. It was celebrations for Ashton United at the end of the 90 minutes, with the match ending 2-1 in their favour. Gorton opened the scoring for Ashton United on the 9th minute, however current Chorley captain and defender Andy Teague scored the equaliser on the 52nd minute to make it 1-1. Johnson came to the rescue for the Robins, scoring the winner on the 79th minute.
But Chorley were the ones celebrating come the end of the season, when they were promoted as champions. Ashton made the playoffs, beating FC United of Manchester to reach the playoff final, however they lost out to AFC Fylde on penalties, after the scores were level at the end of regulated time.

HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE ACTION?
Match updates will be available through the usual social media channels; Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Alternatively, you can make the visit to Hurst Cross with match prices as follows;
Adults - £12
Concessions - £8
Under 12s - £3
If you wish to gain entry at the concessionary rate, please be prepared to supply the appropriate proof of ID.

Updated 12:50 - 30 Aug 2019 by Steve Hobson