[themaclad]

Chorley 3 Ellis, Grant og Calveley Buxton 0
Att 719


A ground I rarely visit these days having moved from the area just shy of 30 years ago, spent my formative teenage years watching the Magpies although has time marched on went less and less due to the fact the big lads club took more time.
Twice saw Victory Park have gates of over 6500, the first a Northern Premier League game against Wigan, home side won 5-4 in extra time, stlll one of the best games I ever saw, also massive gate against Wimbledon in FA trophy a replay, this ended in a draw and Chorley won a second replay 2-0 at the old Fellows Park ground at Walsall, went to that as well. Never been the warmest of grounds played a Trophy match against Cheltenham? coldest day I have ever known watching football, even surpassed a frozen afternoon at Hereford watching North End draw 1-1.
The ground like the town has changed wouldn't recognise the town centre these days, the club now has an outside bar always a godsend in February, how do you like you ice, with or without beer, the main stand now has seats in it, used to be benches, the home end is new the previous one being blown down , sadly the grass bank down the side has virtually all been removed, still scene of one of the finests comments from a spectator to this day.
Colin Potts son of one time Sheff Wed player Eric, was playing for Chorley an aimless ball was played to him, he turned round and enquired of his team mates, "Where do you think, we are going?" A mid Lancastrian accent from behind me shouted "Down"
One thing that has improved is the pitch, top notch these days compared to the mudpatch it used to be.
A couple of years ago some Irish boy groups chappies became shareholders in the club hoping that one day League football will be watched at Victory Park,(It won't)
https://www.chorleyfc.com/blogs/news/boy...otted-line

As for the match after weathering the first 20 minites when you Buxton forward Brady twice should have scored, Chorley eased to victory which took them into the play off zone at the expense of their visitors, wasn't a great night for Buxton keeper True Grant an 18 year old on loan from Manchester City, a header from vastly experienced Mark Ellis seemed to go in far to easily

The secoond goal was a Grant own goal, he channelled his inner Jack Butland and punched the ball into his own net from a corner and the third Claveley inside right channel Grant got a hand to it but couldn't keep it out of the night. Buxton offered little in the second period.
Chorley manager Andy Preece was sent off for comments made against the slightly inconsistant referee.


The drive home via the many roundabouts Chorley had and the thing you notice more than anything is the vast majority of pubs you collapsed in when you were younger have now gone, closed or demolished.