Magpies gearing up for promotion run-in

Chorley celebrate Jack Sampsons goal against Kidderminster on Saturday at Victory Park (photo: Josh Vosper)

With just 12 games to go the Magpies are fourth in the National League North table, 11 points off league leaders AFC Fylde but just a point above sixth-placed Stockport.

Jansen, who watched his team defeat promotion rivals Kiddeminster last weekend, has been delighted with the season so far, and feels  Chorley are punching above their weight given the financial clout that many of their promotion rivals have.

He hopes his men can maintain their good form and secure a play-off spot.

Tomorrow, they welcome Alfreton Town to Victory Park.

Jansen said: “We are punching above our weight and are having a great season so far.

“We just need to push ourselves over that line to secure a play-off spot or an automatic spot in the final games.

“It is going tough. We need to make sure we keep up the hard work of the first two thirds of the season, stay strong and finish on a high.”

In the reverse fixture, the Magpies let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 after their only  available defender on the day  Kieran Charnock picked up a  fractured eye socket.

This time Jansen has competition for places across the board in his squad.

There was also good news as Jason Walker’s knee operation has been hailed a success, with Jansen expecting the striker back in training in approximately 10 days’ time.

He said: “Alfreton are a very physical side.

“We had a bit of a defensive injury crisis when we went to their place.

“Our only recognised  defender on the day Kieran Charnock ended up getting caught by an elbow and got an injury, so they pushed forward, bombarded us and managed to get a goal.

“It will be a tough game but we are full of confidence and we pride ourselves on the dressing room spirit.

“They all fight for each other and more often than not give 100 per cent as a unit.”