Tony Hesketh has shown Chorley fans his idea of pre-season training - prudent use of players with the aim of building a settled side before the new campaign gets under way.

Not for him a 20-strong bunch of trialists one week and then wholesale changes in the hope of unearthing some rare talent.

Hesketh has used 23 players (seven who were here last season) in the four games, including liberal use of substitutes. Eleven players have appeared in all four games and three more missed only one.

“To start the season off the way we want, we need consistency and that means a blend of newcomers with the lads who did well for us last season,” said the Magpies manager, whose side take on Bolton Wanderers at the Chorley Nissan Victory Park Stadium on Saturday.

A number of players with Bolton connections are looking forward to the clash.

Lee Shillito recalled that he broke his ankle while playing for Everton at junior level in his only appearance against his hometown club, midfielder Mike Eckersley graduated through the Wanderers Academy, and Chris Brookes, Steve Burke and James Mullineux are all Bolton lads.

Hesketh said: "We have had two good results and four good performances from our pre-season games, with a lot of positives. From our defensive and midfield displays so far, I feel we have adequate replacements for Dave German, Liam Coyne and Mark Drew.

“We have stepped up the training regime and the players have responded. Holidays and training knocks have disrupted our plans somewhat and we are still on the lookout for reinforcements. We have more cover up front than we had last season, and this week we are concentrating on shooting practice.

“Now that the UniBond League have brought in the three substitutes from five rule we can make better tactical use of the squad, especially in the case of injury to the goalkeeper.”

l A Mike Eckersley penalty 10 minutes from full time after Cabbar Bagdagi had been brought down gave Chorley a 1-0 win over Ramsbottom United at the Riverside last Wednesday and three days later the Magpies won 3-1 at Nelson, two of the goals coming in the second half. Eckersley scored a goal in each half and defender Martin Clark netted his first for the club - three years after coming from Lancaster City.