Magpies talisman Harry Cardwell thrilled to lead Chorley into third round of FA Cup

The strapping centre forward was arguably the Magpies’ stand-out performer in their fabulous 2-1 victory over Posh in the second round.

His physical presence combined with no shortage of skill gave the Boro backline a torrid time throughout the 90 minutes.

The only thing missing in the 24-year-old’s performance was a goal – although he came mightily close.

In the first half he thundered a shot against the post as the Magpies looked to get back on level terms after going an early goal behind.

And with just under 15 minutes to go, with the visitors ahead 2-1 thanks to goals from Connor Hall and Lewis Baines, he had the chance to seal the tie from the penalty spot after he himself had been bundled to the ground by Posh captain Mark Beevers.

Unfortunately, Cardwell –despite striking his spot-kick powerfully – saw his shot saved by Boro goalkeeper Christy Pym.

“I was happy with the way I played,” Cardwell said. “Unfortunately the goal just eluded me.

“I was unfortunate with the first half shot, coming off the post and then the penalty, it’s one of them the keeper had made a really good save.

“I should have put it further in the corner , but it is what it is.

“Everybody will forget that and we’ve won and gone through and that’s all that matters.”

After going behind to an early goal to the League One high-flyers, it appeared the Magpies were in for a long night.

But the National League North outfit responded magnificently and were easily the better side over the the remainder of the match.

As Cardwell’s effort, the Magpies also hit the woodwork through Elliot Newby’s brilliant run and shot.

Indeed, Jamie Vermiglio’s men could so easily have walked off the pitch as 5-1 winners.

“It’s a massive win for us,” said Cardwell, who called it the biggest highlight of his career so far.

“The way we have gone about it having gone an early goal behind.

“To beat a League One team who are second in the league is just massive.

“They played a strong side, they didn’t make many changes – it weren’t as though we were against the kids.

“It’s right up there as one my best highlights.”

For defender Lewi Baines, being the match-winner is not something he is is used – especially when it comes to firing a team into the third round proper of the FA Cup.

But that is what happened to the former Fleetwood Town ace on Saturday after he found himself in the right place at the right time to lash home after Andy Halls’ had headed Newby’s corner back into the danger zone.

The goal did take a slight deflection with many media outlets suggesting that the ball came off Magpies’ midfielder Mike Calveley last.

However, everybody present in the stadium saw it as Baines’ goal.

“It’s every kids dream to score the matchwinner,” said Baines, who had an hand in the first goal when he played a delightful through ball into the path of Hall who made no mistake.

“Every kid wants to play in the FA Cup – some people only get to to play in the qualifiers, some people the first round proper. I will be able to say I scored the winner in a second round tie which put us in the third round.

“It’s great achievement to play in the third round.”