Kittrick’s side go so close

MATLOCK looked odds on for an upset holding a two-goal lead with 20 minutes left – but National League Chorley fought back for a fortuitous draw despite finishing the tie with ten men.

The Magpies must now be considered favourites for Tuesday night’s replay but Matlock boss Steve Kittrick was proud of his side despite the mixed feelings.

“I’m disappointed with the result but massively happy with the performance which I thought was very good,” he said. “After last week we were well organised to frustrate them. We’ve got to go up there on Tuesday and be positive like we were today.”

After a scoreless first half, Matlock took the initiative within two minutes of the restart. Spencer Harris headed home a corner from the right which scrambled its way in.

It put the Step 3 underdogs in the ascendancy with Chorley having rarely threatened.

A couple of headed chances from Ntumea Massanka cleared the bar in the opening half which also saw Gladiators goalkeeper Dan Wallis tip a surprise shot from Mark Ross over the bar.

But Matlock had competed well in the first half and there looked little difference between the sides despite the two leagues difference.

The hosts looked particularly dangerous with crosses from Tomas Poole which flew across the Chorley box.

The goal from Harris sparked the tie into life and as Matlock looked to build on their lead a fine effort from Poole from distance fell wide while Chorley’s Marcus Carver nodded wide when well placed.

When Luke Hinsley doubled Matlock’s lead in the 66th minute the tie looked over. Substitute Dan Bramall broke on the left, his inch perfect cross being converted by Hinsley at the far post.

But Chorley replied within four minutes, Massanka rising to place a soft header into the net which gave the Magpies hope.

Matlock were pushed deeper into their own territory although Chorley custodian Danny Eccles did well to block from Hinsley, the visitors breaking swiftly for Carver to shoot narrowly wide.

Chorley were reduced to ten men when Martin Smith received a second yellow card for handball with six minutes left but they quickly shrugged it