NELSON took the points with a Carl Howarth goal in the 90th minute of a tense local battle at Victoria Park in NWCL Division Two.

The Blues made the better start and they tested the Colne defence in the opening 15 minutes with some penetrating moves using Mark Robinson and Carl Howarth up front.

Colne however, began to force their way into the game by competing well in midfield and Richard Walton caused Steve Petty to pull off a good save after 19 minutes. As Colne grew in confidence they pushed forward and got their reward after 27 minutes when Gary Jervice crossed from the left wing and George Craddock headed home - his 17th goal of the campaign.

Chris Ingham had a shot blocked in the Nelson penalty area and Craddock shot wide from a good opportunity while at the other end, Carl Howarth put a chance just past the post and Robinson shot over.

Ross Baxter was proving a difficult obstacle for the Nelson forwards and the Colne keeper again came out on top in several challenges early in the second half. Then Craddock again forced Petty into a good save before Keiran Roberts sent a glancing header just wide.

On 67 minutes the Blues made the breakthrough when Stuart Mulligan's cross was headed on by Carl Howarth and Colne's Chris Ingham headed the into his own goal.

A great piece of skill then by Carl Howarth almost gave the Blues a second goal when he chested the ball down before turning and chipping for the top corner of the goal but Baxter fingertipped the ball over after 78 minutes.

In the closing stages Colne fought fiercely to hold the Nelson attack but in the last minute the Blues snatched a revenge victory following Colne's win at Holt House last month. Paul Harrison's cross from the right was volleyed home by Carl Howarth - it was Howarth fifth goal in four games.

NELSON...2

COLNE...1