Magpies seek to end goal drought

8:57am Wednesday 26th March 2008

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Give us a goal that's the plea from Chorley fans as the Magpies go to Bury's Gigg Lane tonight (Wednesday) to take on FC United of Manchester for the third time this season.

The plea for something on the scoresheet comes after four defeats, the last three without a goal, adding up to a barren spell of 290 minutes since Mark Drew stepped up from the substitutes' bench at Mossley on March 8 to hammer home a 71st-minute free kick.

"The players' spirits are high but everyone is frustrated, because we should have taken at least a point from Friday's game against Ossett Albion and we could easily have beaten Bamber Bridge at home on Monday," said manager Tony Hesketh.

"We've still a lot to fight for, but things will go easier when we win again.

"The lads are looking forward to going to Bury and then taking on Wakefield at home on Saturday.

"They are good opportunities to improve our league record before next Wednesday's Lancashire Trophy final against Southport."

The Chorley boss has made two cover signings as well as a handful of youngsters.

They have recruited experienced defender Paul Sparrow, one of his former Lancaster and Kendal players who was also with Preston North End, Crystal Palace and Rochdale.

Former Magpie striker Ian Barker is back for a third spell. Barker, a former Manchester United junior, played here between 1999 and 2000, and between 2001 and 2004.

Barker, the son of former Rossendale and Horwich RMI star Glyn Barker, has latterly been with his father's old club Rossendale, and Bacup Borough.

Striker Danny Douglas-Pringle has still not recovered from the ankle injury he picked up late in the 0-0 draw with Woodley on February 16.

After this week's games and next Wednesday's cup final, Chorley travel to Garforth on April 5, entertain Clitheroe on April 8, Rossendale United on April 12, visit Radcliffe on April 19 and round off the season with a home match against Bridlington Town.