Chorley banished their recent cup-tie blues with a solid performance to climb into fourth place in the Evo-Stik Premier Division thanks to a goal from Chris Denham.

In a match that was never a classic the Magpies looked strong defensively, boosted by the return of skipper Andy Teague.

Keeper Jack Cudworth denied Eastwood an early lead with a smart save to palm aside a deflected shot and Romaine Graham rattled the Chorley bar with a firm header.

Otherwise the home side created little and it was the visitors who had the best chance of the half when Jamie Vermiglio, returning from a five weeks’ injury lay-off, drilled a volley narrowly wide.

Inspiration was still in short supply after the break until Chorley grabbed the decisive goal in the 67th minute.

The alert Chris Denham seized on a poor clearance on the edge of the penalty area and fired into the bottom corner of the net.

The goal stung Eastwood into action but Cudworth and his defence stood firm, the keeper pulling off a couple of fine saves.

Chorley almost doubled their lead when Ciaran Kilheeney struck a post but the comfortable saw out the rest of the game to take the three points.