TITLE favourites Chorley passed a big test of their character and championship credentials in disposing of third placed Worksop, potentially their most dangerous rivals.

After four games without a win, the Magpies needed to win this one and they did so with more authority than the bare scoreline suggests.

“This was the best attack in the league against the best defence and our back four were superb today. We could have won by five or six,” said Chorley manager Garry Flitcroft.

Failing to score for only the second time this season, Worksop’s much-vaunted strikers were well held throughout and Chorley keeper Sam Ashton did not have a serious save to make.

The Magpies in contrast repeatedly threatened the Worksop goal.

James Dean was particularly unlucky, heading a Paul Jarvis corner against the bar and seeing another fine effort blocked by keeper Jonathan Stewart. He later fired another shot just the wrong side of the post.

The only effort that counted came in the 18th minute. Dale Whitham’s free kick was headed back across goal by Andy Teague and Keil O’Brien forced the ball past Stewart at the second attempt.

Late in the game Magpies' substitute Darren Stephenson rattled the Worksop bar but a second goal was not needed as Chorley comfortably ran down the clock to record a vital victory rapturously received by their fans in another splendid crowd of 1,151.

The Magpies are now four points clear at the top with a game in hand.