AN injury-hit Chorley team found a well-organised and in-form Radcliffe side a shade too streetwise but in the end were unlucky to take nothing from a full-blooded local 'derby'.

Already without three players injured in Saturday's UniBond First Division win over Farsley Celtic, Ken Wright also lost playmaker David Eatock who damaged a knee in the pre-match warm-up.

Eatock's sorcery was much missed against a solid Boro defence which had not conceded a goal and even the dismissal of the visitor's full-back Richard Battersby just before half time for a second bookable offence did not tip the scales in the Magpies' favour until it was too late.

Eamonn Elliott capitalised on a slice of luck to put Radcliffe ahead after 28 minutes, the referee unwittingly charging down Scot Bradford's clearance to put Boro back on the attack the move culminating in Elliott drilling the ball past Simon Marsh in goal.

Bradford and Noel Corrigan missed sharp chances for Chorley and Radcliffe keeper Danny Hurst did well to palm a cross off the head of Andy Mason as he looked sure to score.

Boro defended in numbers after the loss of Battersby but were always inventive on the break and they received a bonus in the 68th minute when Elliott cashed in on sloppy distribution to catch Marrsh off his line with a perfectly executed lob from 25 yards.

The points semmed safely in Boro's bag until Chorley finally began to make their numerical advantage count in the last 15 minutes,

Neil Mitchell missed a gilt-edged chance from five yards shortly before Mason registered his third goal of the season on 80 minutes, smartly potting the rebound after Bradford had struck the upright.

As Chorley turned up the heat, Boro had a late let off when a thumping shot on the turn from Chris Blakeman hit the underside of the bar before being scrambled to safety.

RESULT: CHORLEY...1 RADCLIFFE BOROUGH...2