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Wigan Robin Park’s bid for glory in the Lancashire FA Co-Operative Challenge Trophy ended with a 5-0 defeat to Chorley in the semi-final on Wednesday night.

The high-flying Evo-Stik Premier Division outfit were too quick and skilful for the Robins, as they raced into a three-goal lead with just 25 minutes on the clock.

Gary Flitcroft’s Magpies were ahead after just seven minutes.

Man-of-the-match Matt Walwyn picked up the ball on the left wing cut in and unleashed a powerful shot that Robins’ keeper Jay Foulds did well to keep out.

Unfortunately for Wigan Adam Roscoe was the first to respond and he crisply hit the ball into the net.

The Magpies doubled their lead eleven minutes later when Steve Foster bundled in a loose ball following a Tom Ince free-kick.

Wigan felt there had been a foul on keeper Foulds when the cross came in but the referee was having none of it, and booked captain Foulds for his protestations.

From the restart Chorley regained possession and Foulds had to be at his best to deny Chris Denham.

On 25 minutes it was three for Chorley with Walwyn scoring a wonderful goal that would grace any game.

Ryan Small lost possession to Walwyn on the halfway line, who took the ball ten yards forward before unleashing an unstoppable rising drive into the top corner from 35 yards

To the Robins' credit they continued to battle, gained their composure and had the better of the remainder of the half.

Dean Porter – in the Chorley goal – was forced to turn a fierce shot from Phil Howard around the post.

On the stroke of half-time the second controversial moment occurred when Porter appeared to drop a Robins, corner.

Shaun Judge tapped the ball home but the Mr Marsden blew for a foul on the keeper.

The second half was much better for the Robins as they came more into the game, with substitutes Andy Neafcy and Ash Rimmer causing some problems for the Chorley midfield and defence.

Phil Howard went close with a shot, and Steve Edwards was inches away from a Rimmer cross with an open net in front of him.

Sadly for the Robins Chorley grabbed two late goals, firstly when Porter’s free-kick was flicked on for substitute John Cunliffe to race onto and finish before Walwyn met Jordan Bowen’s cross to head home his second and the Magpies fifth.

After the game Robins’ captain and assistant manager Jay Foulds said: “On the night they were too good for us right across the pitch, but we didn’t play as well as we can".

On the matter of Chorley’s second goal the normally mild-mannered keeper said: “It was a foul - pure and simple - as I was off my feet when one of the Chorley lads elbowed me.

“I was more annoyed that we had given them the ball for the first three goals.

“We enjoyed the experience and it was a proud day for everybody involved with the club from the spectators to the players and the committee.

“We can’t wait to get back into league action on Saturday and look forward to the remainder of the season.

“We’ve the league and divisional Cup to go for while our reserves have their league, divisional cup and the Wigan Cup to play for.”

Meanwhile victors Chorley travel to the Reebok Stadium for the final on Monday 12 March when they will play either Kendal Town or Radcliffe Borough.

Report by Andy Vaughan