Chorley (A): Match Preview

The Bucks resume their rivalry with one of their most regular Step 2 opponents on Saturday, 10th October, as they head north to Lancashire to face Chorley FC in the Enterprise National League North, with kick-off at 3 pm at Grant Store Victory Park.

Last Season

The Bucks and Magpies’ first encounter in 2025/26 also came at Victory Park in early September; an Adan George tap-in gave the Bucks an early lead, but the hosts replied through Tom Carr, Adam Henley and Mike Calveley to claim the points.

The return fixture at SEAH Stadium in February finished 2-2, a game the Bucks let slip. Dylan Allen-Hadley scored two goals in the opening period to put the Bucks on course, but Henley pulled one back, repeating his earlier-season feat, and a Milan Lalkovic penalty tied the game soon after.

Recent Form

The Magpies sit 12th in the Enterprise National League North, with 14 points from 10 matches.

They have 4 wins, 2 draws and 4 defeats, but are also the only team in the division’s top half with a negative goal difference of -1.

They are the sixth-highest scorers in the division, with 16 goals at an average of 1.6 per game, but their 17 goals conceded make their defensive record the sixth-worst. With figures like that, they clearly pose a threat but also concede, suggesting entertainment could be on the cards.

They have failed to score on two occasions and have only one clean sheet, a 2-0 away win at Marine in August.

In general, the Magpies have been involved in games with narrow margins of defeat or victory. Their biggest loss to date was a 4-0 defeat at Oxford City, while their most sizeable win was a 5-2 home win over Darlington.

Top Scorers:

Elliot Taylor - 4

Jack Hazlehurst - 3

Mike Calveley, Warren Clarke - 2 each

Sam Fielding, Callum Rowe, Jack Sampson, Harvey Smith -1 each

Facing the Bucks

Goalkeepers

Li-Bau Stowell (1) arrived on a season-long loan from Preston North End after joining their pre-season trip to Spain and impressing during a spell with Hyde United. If his name sounds familiar, he is the son of former Wolves stalwart Mike Stowell. Kier Barry (33) is a highly rated young goalkeeper with more than 100 senior appearances in the lower leagues; after several productive loans at Longridge Town, he is continuing his development on dual registration with Padiham.

Defence

Adam Henley (2), a former Blackburn Rovers regular and twice-capped Wales international at youth level, brings lots of Step 2 experience at right-back. Mark Ellis (3) has more than 400 league appearances and is a major threat at set pieces. Scott Wilson (4) was Manager’s Player of the Year last season and earned a place in Vanarama’s Team of the Season. Harvey Smith (5) has made 164 Chorley appearances, while towering six-foot-six summer signing Max Hunt (6) adds strength and experience. Adam Blakeman (16), with 351 appearances across two spells, offers quality from left-back and is the younger brother of former Bucks midfielder Liam Blakeman. Versatile Sam Bird (18) covers right-back and centre-half, Jack Moore (26) has made 85 appearances after several loan spells, and academy graduate Jayden Kay (32) is developing on loan at AFC Blackpool.

Midfield

Billy Whitehouse (7) returns for a third spell, bringing energy and 165 appearances on the right wing. Captain Mike Calveley (8) is a powerful mainstay with 220 Chorley games and consecutive double-figure goal seasons. Warren Clarke (11) offers versatility and industry, while on-loan Max Wilson (12) can operate across midfield or further forward. George (14) Horbury, the 2024/25 Young Player of the Year, has made his successful loan move permanent. Callum Rowe (17) combines EFL experience with tireless, technical play, and fans’ favourite Jack Hazlehurst (19) returns permanently after spells with Burton Albion and Marine. Albanian youth international Steven Bala (20) adds attacking flair on loan from Akademisk Boldklub. Academy graduate Noel Brindle (24) has already made his senior debut; combative Sam Fielding (25) adds physical presence; and Fin Denning (30) continues his development on loan at Atherton Laburnum Rovers.

Forwards

Jack Sampson (9) is an established target man with 31 goals in 121 Chorley appearances and the 2023/24 Clubman of the Year award. Lewis Salmon (10) joined after scoring 32 goals in more than 100 games for Alfreton, though he is currently back on at the Reds. Bermuda international Kole Hall (21) combines pace, power and double-figure finishing, while prolific Elliot Taylor (22) arrived after a 46-goal season with AFC Liverpool. On-loan Anjola Popoola (27) returns after five goals in ten games, and education-programme graduates Jacob Cummins (29) and Jake Dennett (31) provide youthful promise, with Dennett gaining experience at AFC Blackpool.

Here’s the Magpies starting line-up from last weekend’s 4-1 Emirates FA Cup victory at Barton Town.

GK: Stowell.

D: Hunt, Blakeman, Bird, Moore.

M: Calveley, M.Wilson, Fielding, Clarke.

F: Hazelhurst, Taylor.

The Boss

Andy Preece – Holder of the prestigious UEFA Pro Licence, ‘Preecy’ has taken charge of over 1000 games as a manager with the likes of Bury, Worcester City, Northwich Victoria & Airbus UK (Wales) and played over 500 professional games as a centre forward for Worcester City, Wrexham, Stockport County, Crystal Palace, Blackpool, Bury & Carlisle United.

He spent four years as Chorley’s assistant manager and Director of Football before taking the manager’s job in May 2022, when former boss Jamie Vermiglio took the role at Buxton.

The Chairman

We wouldn’t customarily highlight the boardroom, but when the chairman is former Bucks favourite Jamie Vermiglio, we’ll make an exception. A combative midfielder who was a big part of the Bucks’ heart and soul in the reformed club’s rise back through the pyramid, Jamie occupies a special place in many Bucks supporters’ affections.

Colours

Bucks:

Shirt: Pink

Shorts: White

Socks: White

Magpies:

Shirt: Black and White stripes

Shorts: Black

Socks: Red

Match Officials

Referee: Mark Bell.

Assistant Referee: Danielle Whitworth.

Assistant Referee: Lewis Atkinson.

Fourth Official: Joseph Morrell.

How to Follow

If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the events in several ways.

The Live Game Centre on our smartphone app and website will have live text updates.

Our X feed will also carry text commentary, while our Facebook and Instagram feeds will provide updates on major events, such as team news, goals, the half-time and full-time scores.