CRAIG Bradshaw hit a hat-trick as Nelson got their NWC League Division Two campaign back on track with a 5-1 thrashing of Leek CSOB.

The comfortable nature of the victory was not instantly evident.

The Victoria Park side took the lead with an opportunist effort from Bradshaw on 18 minutes, but slack defending allowed Mark Fox to equalise for Leek just four minutes later.

However, the Blues restored their lead when Martin Fletcher crossed for Bradshaw to head home.

Paul Barrett increased Nelson's lead four minutes before half-time with a low drive and by half-time it was 4-1 as Chris Ridehalgh pounced to score from close range after John Harrison's shot had been blocked.

The Blues wrapped up the scoring in the second half when both Ridehalgh and Harrison were involved in the build up as Bradshaw completed his hat-trick.