NELSON's replayed game against Oldham Town in the NWCL Second Division exploded into life with a controversial finish.

Three red cards, one for Nelson and two for Oldham, were brandished by the referee when the match boiled over after Nelson scored a late winner against the run of play.

Nelson took the lead on 35 minutes when Paddy Connelly's through ball released Andy Haworth, who beat goalkeeper Martin Campbell with a good finish.

Oldham equalised at the start of the second half when Geoff Roberts ran into the Nelson penalty area and pulled the ball back for John Parkinson to blast an unstoppable equaliser past Billy Carrington.

Nelson manager Denis Underwood made two substitutions and his side responded by grabbing the winner on 85 minutes. Paul Sconce found Scott Bradley on the right and his hard low cross was turned in at the near post by Connelly.

A fracas then erupted in the Nelson half and the referee sent off Sconce and Oldham's Alex Dodds.

There was another flare up in the last minute after a blatant foul on Connelly went unpunished. Stephen Savage was sent off for headbutting Paul Brown and Oldham were reduced to nine men as Nelson held on to the three points.

NELSON ...2

OLDHAM TOWN ...1