LEE Wilkinson was the hat-trick hero as Chorley hauled themselves out of the UniBond Division One bottom three last night.

A dream debut goal by Alex Porter, on loan from Bamber Bridge, was another highlight of a game played in continuous rain in north Wales.

The match was as close as the score suggests and, while the Magpies always had their noses in front, an enterprising Colwyn Bay team repeatedly threatened to spoil Porter's first-night party.

Porter made an immediate impact, fastening onto a delightful Bobby Jones through ball on eight minutes and coolly drawing the keeper before finishing in style.

After Paul Varley had hobbled off with a hamstring strain, the Magpies grabbed a second on 28 minutes. Porter was again involved, his fierce shot too hot for keeper Parry to hold and Wilkinson was on hand to bundle home the rebound.

Bay pulled one back in the 33rd minute when Mark Hobson met a free-kick with a powerful downward header but seconds before half-time Chorley restored their two-goal lead. Porter's splendid cross was met by Wilkinson, whose miscued header slowly crept just inside the upright.

Chorley were under pressure on the resumption and Aaron Thomas scored with a looping header after 52 minutes.

A tremendous breakaway run by Jones almost created a fourth for the Magpies but Parry pulled off a wonder save from David Eatock.

Wilkinson did make it 4-2 on 61 minutes, completing his hat-trick with a great header from another gem of a cross from Porter.

The home side, however, were far from finished and when Ian Barker's clumsy tackle conceded a penalty on 72 minutes Thomas netted from a twice-taken spot-kick.

COLWYN BAY...3

CHORLEY...4