NELSON showed great strength of character to overcome an aggressive Flixton side in a volatile encounter at Victoria Park.

Nelson took the lead after seven minutes when Brad Pates drove a 20-yard free kick into the bottom corner of the visitors' net. But for most of the first half only some great saves by Billy Carrington and a clearance by Sam Hall kept the Blues in front.

In the second half Nelson created more openings, but Barrett shot wide in a one-on-one with the keeper and Pates saw his 25-yard shot saved on the goalline.

After Pates was fouled in the visitors' half on 87 minutes, Paul Robertson was shown his second yellow card and sent off for dissent.

Pates' quick free kick released Jason Jones to score the Blues' second goal with a good finish to clinch the points.

BEFORE the match Nelson manager Dave Hall was presented with an award for manager of the month for November.