Chorley host Buxton in an all-North FA Trophy tie after losing their last two league games
Wednesday 11 November 2026 · By Howard Pennington
Chorley host seventh-placed Buxton in an all-National League North FA Trophy second-round tie on Saturday, after losing their last two league matches. Andy Preece’s side did not play in midweek and remain 13th on 20 points from 15 matches, level with Worksop Town and Hebburn Town. The BBC form line of WWLWLL shows those two straight league defeats.
Their most recent league result is the 1–2 home defeat by Hereford on 7 November, when E. Taylor opened the scoring on 54 minutes and Cawley Cox replied on 63 and 82. Taylor’s first name is still reported inconsistently in earlier coverage, so it is not expanded here. The attendance that day was 1,320. Hereford, now second on 30 points, drew 2–2 at Morecambe on Tuesday.
After the Trophy meeting with Buxton, who have scored 32 league goals, the most in the division, and hold the last play-off place on 27 points, Chorley visit Bedford Town at 7.45pm on Tuesday 17 November and go to Worksop on 21 November. Bedford are tenth on 22 from 14 matches, with games in hand, and will also host South Shields later that week.
South Shields lead on 32 from 15, two clear of Hereford. First place is promoted automatically, and second to seventh contest the play-offs. Spalding United, 12th on 21, sit immediately above the group on 20 points, so a return to league winning ways after the cup weekend would help Chorley keep mid-table clear of the sides below.
No National League North club is in the FA Cup second round. No first-team league or Trophy game is scheduled today, Wednesday 11 November. The BBC table was last updated at 07:36 this morning and includes Tuesday’s three league matches, none of which involved Chorley.
The BBC table, last updated at 11:13 on 9 November, still shows Chorley 13th on 20 points from 15 matches, with a record of 6 wins, 2 draws and 7 defeats. They have scored 24 and conceded 25, for a goal difference of minus 1. Those numbers have not changed since 31 October, because no National League fixture has been played in this window. The FA Cup, National League Cup and county cups do not count in the standings. Chorley occupy mid-table.
The next first-team programme is the FA Trophy second round on Saturday 14 November, with ties listed at 3pm. Hebburn host Guiseley, Bridlington host Macclesfield, Spennymoor host Scarborough, and Radcliffe host Marine. Avro host Chester, Darlington host Bury, Alfreton host Southport, and Chorley host Buxton. Worksop host South Shields, Leek Town host Morecambe, Bedford host Chesham United, and King’s Lynn host Stourbridge. AFC Telford host Chelmsford, Hednesford host Hemel Hempstead, Hereford host Brackley, and Newmarket Town host Oxford City. Merthyr host Harborough, and Enfield Town host Spalding. No National League North club is in the FA Cup second round, after all four went out on 6 and 7 November; that draw was made on Monday 9 November.
Victory Park
Welcome, visiting supporters! Victory Park has been the home of Chorley Football Club, the Magpies, since 1920. The ground was named to commemorate the end of the First World War and was constructed on the site of a former ash tip. The club purchased the land for just £868 after previously playing at three other venues in the town. The record attendance of over 9,000 came during an FA Cup tie against Darwen in the early 1930s, while more than 4,000 watched a 1945 FA Cup match against Accrington Stanley shortly before fire destroyed the original wooden main stand. The present Main Stand was rebuilt in 1947.
This is a classic non-league ground with a capacity of around 4,300, of which roughly 900 are covered seats. The pitch is grass and the atmosphere is traditional and intimate, making it an enjoyable away day in the National League North. Most fixtures are not strictly segregated, so you can usually choose your preferred vantage point. When segregation is enforced, visiting supporters are allocated the Pilling Lane End.
The Main Stand runs along one side of the pitch for approximately two-thirds of its length. It provides covered seating raised above pitch level, with a terraced area in front and the team dugouts positioned nearby. Supporting pillars may partially obstruct some views and floodlight pylons rise from the roof, yet it still offers a solid elevated perspective of the action. Opposite the Main Stand is the Ashby Street Terrace, a mostly open standing area. In the middle of this side sits the small prefabricated covered seated Ronnie Pilkington Stand, primarily used by corporate guests. Grassy banks once provided extra standing space here.
Behind one goal lies the Pilling Lane End, a covered terrace that is relatively modest in size, spanning roughly a quarter of the pitch width, with grassy areas on either side and a few supporting pillars. This is the designated away end on segregated matchdays. At the opposite end is the Duke Street Terrace, a larger and more substantial covered area. A new roof was added in 2016, improving both shelter and the atmosphere, although pillars remain. The main entrance and several facilities are located near this end of the ground.
Buying tickets in advance online is the most economical option. Current season prices in advance are typically £17 for adults, £13 for concessions (including over-65s, NHS staff, first responders and armed services personnel), £5 for under-18s, and free for under-12s who must be accompanied by an adult. Expect higher prices if purchasing on the day. Disabled supporters pay the relevant category price and their carer is admitted free.
Parking directly at Victory Park is very limited and largely reserved for players and officials. Town-centre car parks are the practical alternative and are generally free after 1pm on Saturdays and after 5pm on Tuesdays, followed by a short walk. Chorley railway and bus stations are only about a ten-minute walk away, so public transport is straightforward and recommended.
For refreshments, visit The Magpies Nest, which serves a range of hot and cold snacks including the famous local butter pie – try it with peas and gravy. Unless the fixture is segregated, the social club is open to away fans and provides a welcoming pre- and post-match atmosphere with pints and sometimes live television. Several pubs in the nearby town centre offer further options for a drink before or after the game.
Victory Park delivers a proper traditional football experience steeped in more than a century of history. Arrive a little early to take in the surroundings, enjoy the local food, and get behind your team. Have a great away day in Chorley!