Chorley manager Jamie Vermiglio devastated with late Mansfield winner

Posted Sunday, November 10, 2019 by PA

Chorley boss Jamie Vermiglio said he felt sorry for his battling players as they were pipped 1-0 by an 81st-minute winner at League Two Mansfield Town just when a money-spinning FA Cup home replay looked on the cards.

The National League’s bottom side had frustrated the Stags all afternoon and almost won it seconds before Nicky Maynard’s goal, but home goalkeeper Conrad Logan pulled off a brilliant save to keep out Lewis Baines’ header.

“It’s the story of our season,” said Vermiglio.

“I feel sorry for the lads to a certain degree. To be sucker-punched again in the last 10 minutes – it’s difficult for them to take.

“We go down that end and if Bainesy had scored we potentially win the game, instead we go down the other end, Matty was unsighted and they go on and score.

“The lads have done very well today. They have defended like trojans.

“But at the end of the day we’re out the FA Cup.

“We were obviously never going to win it, but it’s the prestige and financial gain that comes with it so we’re disappointed, especially when you get to the last 10 minutes thinking you could get them back for at the very least a replay.

“We gave it a really good go at the end and I think we were unlucky today.”

A dour first half saw Chorley go close with a couple of half-chances, but it took 64 minutes before they had a shot on target as Neal Bishop warmed goalkeeper Matt Urwin’s hands.

With 10 minutes left Logan made his crucial save and Stags went upfield to win it as an Urwin could only parry Jacob Mellis’ low shot and Nicky Maynard was on hand to nod home.

Stags survived a late push from the part-timers and boss John Dempster said: “Getting through was the objective at the start of the day so we are pleased to be in the hat – that’s all that matters.

“The experiences I have had in the FA Cup – positive ones when we have got to the third, fourth, fifth round – the journey is a rocky one and there are trials and tribulations along the way.

“It’s never a pleasant journey and today was another example of that.

“I thought Chorley stayed with us for 45 to 60 minutes and then they started to tire.

“That was always going to be the case as it was a big day for them, even though they are only in the league below us. They were always going to give it their all.”

He added: “I think we could have worked the keeper more, but overall I am pleased with the players as at times, we had to be patient.”