NELSON's best performance for several weeks saw them take all three points from Winsford and lifted them to within one point of top place in the NWCL Division Two.

The result owed much to the return of Mick Charlton, who added solidarity to the Nelson defence as they restricted the home side to very few clear shots throughout the game.

Nelson gained the upper hand in the second half and deservedly took the lead after 55 minutes when a slick exchange of passes saw Craig Bradshaw release Steve Whittaker for a run on goal and he finished confidently with a shot into the bottom corner of the Winsford net.

Nelson made the game safe after 84 minutes when Paul Barrett played a through ball for Whittaker to run onto and the Blues striker finished with a 20-yard shot just inside the post to give Nelson a two-goal lead.

WINSFORD UTD...0

NELSON...2