Spalding’s five-game unbeaten league run draws to a close as they fell to defeat against Chorley FC on Saturday. The equalising goal from Maniche Sani proved inadequate as Mike Calveley found a late winner to hand the Magpies all three points.

A nervy start to the fixture saw Chorley create a couple of early chances; one counter-attacking chance was caught comfortably by Crook, and the other was cut out smartly by Sembie-Ferris.

Bart Cybulski, who today returned from injury, almost scored after a ball was whipped in by Ben Fowkes, but Stowell saved well in between the Chorley sticks.

After a handful of stoppages in play and bookings for both Pugh and Bendle, Sam Straughan-Brown played a ball into the 18-yard area, but his cross hit the roof of the net.

Just before half time, Elliot Taylor blazed his shot far north of the crossbar, which resulted in both sides going in level at the break.

Alfie Bendle almost scored from distance just two minutes into the second 45, but his effort was blocked impressively by a Chorley defender.

Then, on 56 minutes, Sam Fielding crafted a moment of excellence as he placed a sublime effort past Peter Crook to give the Magpies a 1-0 lead.

The setback prompted a triple substitution as Barton, Sani and Betteka all entered the field to freshen our attacking threat.

Cybulski then went close on two occasions; the first was a headed effort that was saved well by Stowell, and the second was a spectacular acrobatic effort that sailed over the bar.

Then, with 10 minutes remaining, the fellow substitutes Dan Barton and Maniche Sani linked up nicely to bring Spalding level!

However, a minute before the full time whistle was due to be blown, Mike Calveley bundled the ball over the line which put his side 2-1 up.

The full time whistle brought disappointment as the game ultimately fell in Chorley’s favour, but a good overall effort from the Tulips.

We now turn our attention back to the FA Cup as we travel to Bury Town next Saturday (3rd October).

FT: Chorley FC 2-1 Spalding United

Photo Credit: Bob Sharman

Written by Zakk Symonds