Former Rovers’ starlet Steve Foster was a hit on his debut for promotion-chasing Chorley, setting up the opening goal and adding an eye-catching second as the Magpies recorded an emphatic victory to reclaim second spot behind runaway leaders Chester.

With 26 goals already to his credit for Salford City this term, Foster showed just why Chorley had been so determined to sign him.

It was the Magpies’ fifth league double of the season. After firing a warning shot within the first two minutes, Foster won a challenge in midfield five minutes later before releasing Tom Ince with a choice pass and the latter raced clear to score.

The Magpies second came when Jamie Vermiglio’s intelligent pass left Foster clear and he coolly chipped the advancing Collinge in the 23rd minute. A two goal cushion appeared to give Chorley a false sense of security; as almost straight away a penalty was conceded following Aaron Grundy foul on Chris Rowney which he was lucky not to receive a yellow card for. Matty Kay converted.

With Mossley now back to a single goal deficit, Chorley tightened things up but were comfortable for the remainder of the half with an Ince free-kick the closest to a chance in the remainder of the half.

Mossley opened the second period the stronger and Kay almost netted his second with a long range effort the hit the bar.

However with an hour on the clock a corner from Ince landed nicely for Cunliffe on the edge of the box. He advanced into the area and slotted into the far corner in style.

The keepers then dominated proceedings with Collinge make three quality saves and at the other end Grundy was equally impressive with two stops.