Warrington Rylands 0–1 Chorley | FA Cup | 19 September 2026

Result Summary

A dramatic late penalty from Jack Sampson in the 90th minute secured a narrow but deserved FA Cup victory for Chorley, as Andy Preece's side held their nerve to eliminate Warrington Rylands at their own ground. Despite the hosts generating more volume in attack throughout the afternoon, it was the visitors who produced the decisive moment when it mattered most, breaking Rylands hearts deep into stoppage time.

Match Analysis

On paper, the statistics told a story of Warrington Rylands domination that never quite translated into results. Neil Reynolds' side registered 17 shots in total to Chorley's 11, and launched 139 attacks compared to the visitors' 118, suggesting a team that controlled much of the tempo and territorial play. Yet the cold reality of football was reflected in the shots on target column — Warrington Rylands managed only four efforts on target, while Chorley converted from five, ultimately proving more clinical when it counted.

Possession was shared evenly at 50% each, underlining just how closely contested this fixture was across its 90 minutes. Chorley's seven corners to Rylands' five gave them an edge in set-piece opportunities, and their 80 dangerous attacks versus 73 for the hosts highlights that, despite fewer overall attacks, Preece's men were consistently threatening in high-value areas.

The match's pivotal disciplinary moment arrived in the 78th minute, when J. Hazlehurst of Chorley was shown a yellow card — a caution that added tension to the closing stages but ultimately had no further consequence. Both sides finished level on fouls (10 for Rylands, 12 for Chorley) and offsides (two apiece), reinforcing the even-handed nature of the contest.

Then came the moment that will define this tie: Jack Sampson stepped up in the 90th minute to convert a penalty, sending Chorley through in the most dramatic of fashions. It was a ruthlessly efficient way to win, and a gut-wrenching way to lose for a Warrington Rylands side that had worked so hard throughout.

Prediction Review

Our pre-match analysis had forecast a Chorley win, assigning the visitors a 47% probability of progressing compared to a 28% chance for the hosts and a 25% likelihood of a draw. The final scoreline of 0–1 validated the directional call, and our prediction outcome is marked as correct. That said, with a confidence rating of just 48/100, the forecast acknowledged the inherent competitiveness of this FA Cup tie — and the match statistics certainly backed that up. Warrington Rylands were far from outplayed; fortune and fine margins simply fell Chorley's way.

Key Takeaways

• Chorley's efficiency was the defining factor — fewer overall attacks, but greater danger converted into the only goal of the game.
• Warrington Rylands' volume without reward is a concern for Neil Reynolds; 17 shots and only four on target points to a need for sharper decision-making in the final third.
• Jack Sampson's 90th-minute penalty was an ice-cool finish that underscored Chorley's experience and composure in high-pressure moments.
• Andy Preece will be satisfied with how his side managed the game — compact, dangerous, and clinical at the crucial moment.

Chorley advance in the FA Cup, while Rylands must regroup and reflect on what might have been.