Tom Lord is backing Nelson to bounce back from their opening day loss – and intends to unleash the express pace of USA star Adrian Gordon on Enfield tomorrow as they bid to get their season started.

The much fancied Seedhillites were beaten by Todmorden last weekend and also lost fast bowler Sam Halstead to a hamstring injury to add to a bad day.

They are still searching for a pro after terminating the contract of Burton de Wett.

But they have called on Gordon for the day and he will become the first American to play in the Lancashire League.

And captain Lord is upbeat ahead of the first double header of 2011.

After tomorrow’s Seedhill clash with Enfield, Nelson go to Lowerhouse on Sunday and Lord said: “If we play as we did in the first half against Todmorden last week we will win both matches.

“It was a bad start for us but it is not the end of the world and now we need to go and win both games to make up for it.”

Nelson will once again field Glen Batticciotto on Sunday – but have pulled off a real coup for tomorrow’s game by hiring 23-year-old quick bowler Gordon, who has progressed from College cricket into the USA side.

“He is only small but bowls with raw pace in the region of 85 or 86mph,” said Lord. “He is an exciting cricketer and we are looking forward to seeing him in action and hopefully grabbing a few wickets.”

The loss of Halstead is a blow for Nelson and Lord added: “Sam is out for around six weeks and that is not what we wanted.

“He has been having physio but the only way to recover from a hamstring is by rest.”

Enfield are buoyed by their stunning win over East Lancs and pro Werner Coetsee’s battle with Gordon could be pivotal.

Ramsbottom go to Burnley but have lost bowler Andy Hakin after the former Nelson man damaged ankle ligaments. He will be out for a month and spinner Tim Le Breton is playing for his school so is unavailable for the trip to Turf Moor.

Bacup and Rishton clash at Lanehead with Mark Leathert leading the Rishton side in place of the unavailable Jimmy Bibby and Todmorden travel to Accrington.

Lou Vincent again fills in for Rawtenstall as they go to East Lancashire, Haslingden meet Lowerhouse at Bentgate and Church play host to Colne.