It’s a steal as Magpies are robbed

TOP-FLIGHT Guiseley pulled rank on their National North hosts in a successful smashand-grab raid in this full-bloodied cup-tie.

But Chorley were extremely unlucky to come out second best in a physical encounter in which they made most of the running.

But it was Michael Rankine’s 17th-minute strike and two topdrawer saves at the other end from by Jonathan Maxted which secured the Lions’ ticket to the second round.

After weathering early home pressure and a series of corners, Guiseley profited from one themselves when Rankine climbed highest in a packed goalmouth to power a header into the top corner.

As Chorley pressed relentlessly in search of an equaliser, a slick one-touch five-man move culminated in Jason Walker firing in a shot destined for the

CHORLEY 0 GUISELEY 1

top corner, only for Maxted to arch himself and tip it over the bar at full stretch.

Guiseley almost grabbed a second just after the break but home keeper Shaun Rowley pulled off a terrific save to tip Jordan Preston’s piledriver onto the bar to safety.

Chorley’s best chance came and went when centre-back Scott Leather up in attack met a low right-wing cross but scooped his shot over the bar from four yards.

And the Magpies’ frustrating afternoon was compounded two minutes from time when Stephen Jordan was sent off after a touchline skirmish.