Nicky Maynard effort enough as Mansfield edge Chorley to advance

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2019 by PA

Nicky Maynard scored a late winner as League Two Mansfield claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over plucky National League part-timers Chorley to book a place in the second round of the FA Cup.

A dour game of few chances was settled as goalkeeper Matt Urwin blocked but was unable to hold a low 20-yard shot from Jacob Mellis and Maynard headed the loose ball home from close range.

Just seconds earlier, home goalkeeper Conrad Logan had to make a fine stop to claw away a Lewis Baines header from Marcus Carver’s cross – his only save of the game.

A poor first half saw Chorley twice come close as Matt Challoner shot just over the crossbar after two minutes from a half-clearance, while Ntumba Massanka’s low ball in front of goal was inches away from being turned in by Charles Vernam eight minutes before the break.

Maynard headed over from an Otis Khan cross just after the half-hour mark and – just after the break – Alex MacDonald fired into the Chorley side netting.

Neal Bishop warmed Urwin’s hands with the first shot on target of the game after 64 minutes before the game swung and Maynard netted after 81 minutes to break Chorley hearts.