Preece relieved Chorley have two-week break before Hereford at home

Chorley manager Andy Preece is relieved his side are having are two-week break from games before hosting Hereford on Saturday.

Having drawn 1-1 at Worksop on 6th December, Evesham-born Preece said his side were "nowhere near good enough" in the first 20 minutes. But in his post-match interview, he felt the team reacted just the way he wanted them to and ultimately did enough to get a point out of the game.

"The performances haven't been that bad, we just haven't been getting results," Preece told the club's YouTube channel.

"Thankfully, we're starting to pick up some points and not lose games, not winning enough, but we're not losing like we were previously. You have to make progress, whatever progress it is, whether it's slow, quick or whatever, you've got to start making progress."

Having been knocked out of the FA Trophy at the first hurdle by Worksop in the third round, the side were without a game on Saturday.

"We get a couple of weeks and to just reset, have a look at things," Preece said.

"See if we can get some help for the lads here because we are a little bit short on bodies. "

He said the side are relying on young lads on loan, such as 18-year-old Preston North End midfielder Max Wilson - but Preece admitted he has "got a massive future".

The 58-year-old boss, who used to be at the helm of Bury, Worcester City and Airbus UK Broughton, then admitted: "We are stretched a little bit at the minute. 

"Probably come at a good time to have the rest, a few of the lads have played a lot of games.

"It's good to come off a result when you're going into that period where you haven't got a game and then we can look forward to the Christmas period."

Despite two weeks without a game, the Magpies host Hereford on Saturday before a trip to league leader AFC Fylde on Boxing Day before returning to Victory Park as they face Fylde four days later.

The former striker, who has been in charge at Chorley since 2022, added: "It's really difficult because we are down to the bare bones and a lot of players have played a lot of minutes."

Meanwhile, Hereford go into Saturday's match unbeaten in four, including a 1-1 draw at Chester and 2-0 win at Peterborough Sports in the league.

Chorley currently lie 12th in the league with 27 points from 21 games - eight places above the Bulls with 20 points from 18 games.