Drew walks out on Chorley

9:55am Wednesday 16th July 2008

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Chorley manager Tony Hesketh has made midfielder Mark Drew available for transfer in a shock move following a telephone call from the 24-year-old saying he had joined UniBond Premier League club Witton Albion.

Hesketh said: “As he is a contracted player with Chorley, we hold his registration and if he moves we would expect a fee for him.

“I am disappointed in Mark, but if he doesn’t want to play for us, then he’s not part of my plans.”

The Magpies boss was pleased with his side’s opening to the pre-season campaign in a 3-2 home defeat by Blue Square Premier team Northwich Victoria on Saturday.

He said: “Considering we had several players unavailable because of injuries and holidays, and a number of trialists playing together for the first time against a full-strength Northwich side who were flying last season, it wasn’t a bad performance.

“The fixture was only nine days after the lads reported for training on July 3.”

Two goals in a minute during stoppage time by Steve Burke and Chris Brookes improved the scoreline after Chorley had hone three goals down.

Kieran Fletcher was sound in the back four and in midfield after the introduction of 19-year-old Chris Smalley (ex-Atherton Colls and Kendal Town) at centre half, while veteran Martin Clark did well in an unaccustomed left-back position Jonny Allan headed Vics into a first-half lead lead and after the interval sub Michael Byrne made it 2-0 with a piledriver.

James Mullineux sliced an attempted clearance into his own net before Steve Burke and Chris Brookes scored late on.

Former Preston North End Under-18 goalkeeper Chris Thompson performed capably as a second-half substitute for Peter Collinge, while Rob Henry played right-back.

Chorley, who were taking on Preston North End in the Jack Kirkland Trophy last night, have no match on Saturday. They visit Ramsbottom next Wednesday.