CHORLEY moved up to 11th in the National League North after a 4-2 win at play-off chasing Harrogate Town.

It was a first win since November 7 in the league for Matt Jansen’s side and a second impressive result on the road in a row after a 2-2 draw with league leaders Nuneaton before Christmas.

And Jansen was delighted with the display.

“It was a fantastic performance by the lads, especially in the first half,” he said.

“We knew we were going to have to weather a bit of a storm in the second half. They came out all guns blazing, but the fourth goal killed it for them a little bit.

“They played on Saturday and I said if we could stay in front until 70 minutes they would begin to tire, which they did.”

Darren Stephenson scored twice for Chorley and Jansen was pleased with his contribution.

“Daz has been on fire for us,” said the Magpies chief. “I just asked him to keep getting in behind because they can’t deal with his pace and his strength. He worked tirelessly.

“He’s been brilliant for me all season but it was a whole team performance. We were professional, resolute and difficult to break down.

“Going away to Nuneaton who are top of the league and then coming here and getting a win and a draw is very pleasing.”

The opening goal for the Magpies came against the run of play as Stephenson cut in from the left-hand side and fired inside the far post.

The lead was doubled two minutes later when Andy Bond’s free-kick was controlled by Stephenson before he spun and drilled the ball home.

And the Magpies were in dreamland before the break. After weathering a bright start from Harrogate they made it 3-0 when captain Andy Teague headed home a corner three minutes before the interval.

But Jansen’s side were given a scare in the second half.

Jerry Yates pulled one back on 55 minutes and two minutes later Dominic Knowles latched on to Yates’ pass and poked the ball under Sam Ashton in the Chorley goal.

But Chorley received a stroke of luck 25 minutes from time when Ashton’s long kick was inexplicable headed over his own goalkeeper from 20 yards by Danny Ellis.

The Magpies will look to continue their fine away form at local rivals AFC Fylde on January 2.

Clitheroe’s Evo-Stik First Division North trip to Harrogate Railway Athletic was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Ramsbottom’s home clash with Workington was postponed on Sunday and yesterday volunteers gathered at the Harry Williams Riverside Stadium to start with the clean-up after the Boxing Day floods.