AN incident-packed game delivered riveting entertainment for a crowd of 1,205 but ultimately left Chorley frustrated, as league leaders Solihull preserved their unbeaten record despite playing all but the opening seven minutes with 10 men.

In an explosive start, Moors went ahead in the second minute when ex-Birmingham City striker Akwasi Asante bundled the ball into the net from two yards.

The visitors were then reduced to 10 men when Jack Byrne was shown a straight red card for a high challenge on Dale Whitham.

The Magpies looked uneasy at the back against Solihull’s tall and fast raiders but drew level in the 21st minute when Andy Teague headed a corner down for Chris Doyle to score.

Matt Jansen’s side went in front in unlikely fashion on the half-hour. Jake Cottrell found Darren Stephenson out wide and his low centre confounded Liam Daly who sliced his clearance, the ball looping beyond his keeper Daniel Lewis and into the net.

Solihull threw everything at the Magpies in the second half and Sam Ashton twice produced brilliant reaction saves to preserve the lead. Then he denied the visitors a third time, diving to push round the post a goal-bound header by Liam Daly.

But it was no surprise when Solihull equalised, James Armson sliding the ball past Ashton in a packed six-yards’ box.

  • Harry Winter has joined Ashton United on loan from Chorley with Tom Smyth also going out on loan at Trafford.

Sam Sheridan has left Victory Park after failing to hold down a first team place.