NELSON's ability to strike back quickly after Oldham had twice taken the lead gave John Bailey's side the edge in a closely-fought NWCL Division Two encounter.

Oldham were better than their league position suggests and sounded a warning when Daniel Chadderton hit the Nelson crossbar after 16 minutes.

The warning was not heeded however, and Oldham took the lead on 39 minutes when Lawrence Johnson scored an easy goal.

Nelson were spurred into action and were level within two minutes when Carl Howarth's dribble in the Oldham penalty area gave Stuart Mulligan the chance to score from close range.

Blues keeper Steve Petty made some good saves, but was beaten by Lee Williams' powerful header on 52 minutes as Oldham once again went in front.

Nelson's response was even quicker this time and within a minute they were level. Steve Tosney powered a header goalwards from a corner and Carl Howarth helped the ball into the net from almost on the goal line.

The Blues now forced Oldham onto the backfoot, and the pressure paid off when Andy Howarth drove home a low shot from 10 yards after 83 minutes to complete a successful afternoon for John Bailey's resurgent side.

NELSON...3 OLDHAM TOWN...2