NELSON left it late with a goal in extra time to snatch victory in this preliminary round of the North West Counties League Challenge Cup.

The Blues took the lead after 32 minutes, when Paul Fildes' persistence paid off as his run into the penalty area left bemused defenders in his wake and Fildes delayed his shot until the keeper committed himself before chipping the ball coolly into the net.

Five minutes into the second half Nelson doubled their lead when Paul Barrett laid on the chance for Steve Whittaker to drive his shot under the body of the diving keeper and the Blues looked home and dry.

However, two goals in the space of three minutes, both scored by the head of Alan Nagington, brought Leek back into the game after 78 minutes and as the game went into 30 minutes' extra time, it was the home side who looked the stronger.

Nelson bounced back in the second period and Paul Barrett was denied a goal by a defender's deflection giving the Blues a corner. Danny Whittaker took full advantage of the resulting cross and headed the ball firmly into the roof of the net from six yards to send Nelson through to the next round and a tie at Warrington Town.