REPORT: Chorley 0-0 Wigan Athletic

Words: Ben Nixon, Photos: David Airey.

THE Magpies continued their strong start to pre-season with a goalless draw with Wigan Athletic on Friday night.

Chorley started well, enjoying periods of possession and staying solid defensively in a cautious start from both ends.

The Magpies had their first real chance ten minutes into the first half when Tom Carr turned his marker and curled an effort into the left corner, but Andy Lonergan caught it comfortably.

Wigan had a chance of their own later in the half, winning a corner through Calum McManaman’s dangerous cross, but the Magpies’ defense easily dealt with it. The first 35 minutes showed little attacking threat from either side as both teams seemed content to settle without the ball.

The best chance of the half fell to Scott Wilson who was free in the penalty area when Joe Nolan whipped in a threatening cross but his header went wide.

Chorley started the second half on the front foot, threatening the Wigan defense when Warren Clarke’s cross found Jack Sampson, who rose highest to meet the ball but his header went over the bar.

Wigan enjoyed a period of possession, with McManaman turning well near the edge of the box to shoot, but his effort clipped Matt Urwin’s right-hand post.

Andy Lonergan comes in to claim a Magpies cross (David Airey)

Chorley had two quick tries soon after, with Adam Blakeman’s free kick forcing a smart save from Lonergan, who then had to deal with a corner which was well whipped in and met by Clarke, whose header just over the bar.

The game continued in similar fashion with both teams struggling to find their creativity to break the deadlock resulting in a goalless draw at Grant Store Victory Park.

Present: 1,559.

It follows: We will travel to Euxton Villa tomorrow afternoon.