CHORLEY manager Matt Jansen was left cursing his luck for the second time in five days after the Magpies missed a golden chance to close the gap at the top of the table.

Chasing a fourth straight home win, the Magpies twice hit the post in a frantic finale before settling for a point in the 1-1 draw with Brackley Town at Victory Park.

It must have felt like Groundhog Day for Jansen, whose side had suffered similar misfortune at Altrincham earlier in the week.

The Chorley boss said: “It’s frustrating that we didn’t win but I’d prefer to take the positives and I thought it was another fantastic performance against a strong side.”

The Magpies were rewarded for a lively start with a goal after eight minutes.

Matt Challoner ghosted past two challenges before laying the ball off to Jake Cottrell who sent a 20-yard screamer flying past keeper Laurie Walker.

Brackley took full advantage of an injury to former Burnley defender Stephen Jordan when they hit back with an equaliser in the 43rd minute.

With Jordan stricken by a calf problem, the Chorley defence failed to deal with a cross from Ellis Myles and James Armson pounced.

The points could have gone either way in the second half.

Chorley’s Jason Walker and Sefton Gonzales both hit the post with headers, while Armson thought he had snatched a late winner for the visitors, only to be denied by Sam Ashton.

Earlier in the week, the Magpies drew 2-2 with Altrincham.

The Robins took the lead in the early stages against the run of play when ace-marksman Damian Reeves slotted home, but Chorley's forward pair Jason Walker and Marcus Carver turned the game around before Sean Miller levelled before the interval.

In the second half, Walker rattled the bar on 50 minutes then there were further opportunities for Jake Cottrell, Josh O'Keefe, Will Beesley and a last-gasp shot hitting the post denied Chorley a victory.

Elsewhere, Charnock Richard moved to top spot of the Hallmark Security League Division One after a 4-1 victory against Bacup Borough.

Carl Grimshaw fired the Mossie Park side ahead after five minutes then Spencer Bibby added another goal from the penalty spot just before the break.

Bacup pulled one goal back after the interval before Grimshaw bagged his second of the evening from close-range and Sam Parkinson put the icing on the cake late on.

On Saturday, goals by Parkinson and Grimshaw were on target at Charnock beat Whickham 2-0 in the FA Vase.

Meanwhile, in the West Lancashire League, it was a disappointing weekend for our local clubs in the league and cup competitions.

Division Two side Croston Sports lost out to Haslingden St Marys 4-2 on penalties after holding the Division One side to a 0-0 stalemate after 90 minutes.

Elsewhere, Euxton Villa suffered a 2-1 defeat to Denton Town but flying the flag were Leyland United after their 4-1 win on the road against Wyre Villa.

Martin Kershaw's goal was a consolation effort for Coppull United in a 4-1 defeat to Vickerstown.