CHORLEY CAKEWALK TO PLACE IN HISTORY
CHORLEY proved the FA Cup can still throw up a fairytale – and their glory cannot be diminished by the circumstances. It is not their fault that Derby boss Wayne Rooney and his entire first-team squad were sidelined because they are self-isolating.
They could only beat what was in front of them and they did a professional job on Derby’s youngsters to make it a hat-trick of EFL scalps on their way to the fourth round for the first time in their 138-year history.
They took the lead on 10 minutes when Connor Hall finished off a clever corner routine from close range.
Then six minutes from time Mike Calveley slid in to convert with
Elliot Newby’s cross and seal a famous win for the
Lancashire side.
Calveley said:
“We knew we could dominate them because they will never have played against as physically strong a side as us. We are all absolutely buzzing.”
Manager Jamie Vermiglio, Chorley’s schoolteacher boss, said: “I’m really proud of them and really pleased for the players who’ve put so much effort in this season.
‘‘For a team who were bottom of the National League North after four games, with zero points, to get to round four is just unbelievable.
“When we were drawn against Derby, the connection of Rooney was the big thing for me. He’s an England legend and someone who grew up in
Liverpool and has inspired me. I wanted to compete against him and it wasn’t to be, but I would swap all of that for getting through to the fourth round proper like we have done.
“It’s the confidence it gives us. Chorley are on the map and for us it’s a huge boost.”