SENSATION HAUGHTON FIRES IN A 50-YARDER

NICK HAUGHTON’S majestic brace was the difference here, but in reality Alfreton were lucky it wasn’t more.

The Reds threatened in the opening stages, with Craig Westcarr and Chris Sharp both having attempts on goal.

Despite the early pressure, Alfreton’s players and everyone else inside the ground were left in shock as the Magpies took the lead in wondrous fashion.

Haughton gathered a loose ball just inside his own half, looked up and saw Chris Elliott off his line, then pulled off a stunning lob that nestled into the back of the net from 50 yards.

The midfielder, currently on loan from League One Fleetwood Town, has made close to 50 EFL appearances and it showed as he continued to be the difference between the sides.

Reds keeper Elliott redeemed himself on 35 minutes, doing well to get down low to Josh Wilson’s firm penalty after Steve Williams fouled Marcus Carver.

Alfreton had the ball in the net a minute after the restart, only for Sharp to be flagged offside, before Chorley wasted a string of chances from Wilson, substitute Jason Walker and Carver.

The win was sealed by Haughton after he controlled Walker’s neat backheel and smashed home across Elliott from the edge of the box.

STAR MAN: Nick Haughton (Chorley) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★