Friends reunited in Trophy battle

Chorley captain Andy Teague says if he does not lift the LFA Challenge Trophy on Monday night, he will be pleased that former Lancaster City team-mate Neil Marshall will get the honour instead.
Matt Jansen and Andy TeagueMatt Jansen and Andy Teague
Matt Jansen and Andy Teague

Holders Chorley could win the cup for the 17th time when they take on Teague’s old club City in the final at Bolton Wanderers’ Macron Stadium.

Before then, the Magpies have a National League North home clash with Boston United tomorrow.

Then the focus will switch to Monday’s showpiece final.

Centre-back Teague is eager to lift the silverware.

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But, with his ex-defensive partner set to retire at the end of the campaign due to cancer, Teague says that if anyone else has to take the trophy from his grasp it would be fitting for his friend Marshall to do so.

He said: “I played with him for three years at Lancaster.

“It is the first time I have faced him since I left the club.

“I’m our captain and he is their captain. I obviously want to win the trophy but if someone else has to lift it then it is fitting that it would be Neil.”

Current Lancaster boss Phil Brown had a spell as assistant manager at the club when Teague played for the Dolly Blues.

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Teague left Giant Axe for Victory Park in 2011 but he must have feared he had missed the chance to lead the Magpies in the final.

The defender was sent off for violent conduct for allegedly raising his hand to Josh Wilson in last Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at AFC Telford.

But fortunately for Teague his three-match ban begins on March 19.

Magpies players Paul Jarvis and Jordan Connerton are also set to face former club City and the Chorley captain is expecting a great atmosphere.

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He said: “I know a few of the lads at Lancaster and Phil Brown was assistant boss when I was there

“Brown’s teams have great ability and they love to pass the ball

“We want to win. I think I have lifted the trophy three times now. It will be good to go back to the Macron and hopefully I can lift it again.

“We always seem to do well in the competition and we always take a big crowd.

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“I’m sure Lancaster will bring a big following too. I went to watch their semi-final against Padiham and they brought a lot of support.”

Chorley boss Matt Jansen will be unable to call upon defensive duo Courtney Meppen-Walter and Keil O’Brien, as they were not registered before the semi-final against Colne.

For tomorrow’s clash with Boston United, striker James Dean is a doubt due to a back strain.

But new signing Jack Cookson could appear on the bench. The 21-year-old ex-Morecambe goalkeeper joined the club on Tuesday to provide cover for No.1 Sam Ashton.

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And Jansen is keen to bounce back against sixth-placed Boston after the defeat by Telford.

He said: “To be a success you need a team that fights for each other and that is what we did in the second half last Saturday when we had 10 men and were 2-0 down.

“I’m hoping we can bounce back tomorrow and lift the trophy on Monday.”

In the NPL First Division North, Clitheroe could move into a play-off spot if they defeat Radcliffe Borough at Shawbridge, but Burscough will be aiming to keep hold of fifth spot when they visit Witton Albion. Kendal Town entertain Northwich at Parkside Road.