COLNE got the better of neighbours Nelson in a cracking derby at Holt House last night in the NWCL Division Two.

Despite having to play through a snowstorm, the sides produced a match of quality and passion in equal measures.

John Lister's men had to come from behind to secure the three points.

"They showed plenty of character to come back," said Colne chairman Dave Blacklock.

"The lads just don't know when they are beaten."

Nelson took the lead after 25 minutes through former Stand striker Micky Bartholomew.

He got free on the left hand side of the area before sliding the ball past Colne keeper Ross Baxter.

And Nelson almost made it 2-0 when Baxter was blocked but defender Gareth West raced in to clear the ball off the line just as the Nelson players were starting their celebrations.

Colne levelled just before the half time break when top scorer Paul Fildes worked some space on the edge of the area before firing a low shot past Mark Canning.

On the hour the home side took the lead. Richard Walton's cross was chested down by George Craddock into the path of the onrushing Mark Berry who volleyed home.

Nelson pressed hard for an equaliser but Colne stood firm and in the dying minutes the home side missed a golden opportunity to grab a third goal.

Fildes crossed for Craddock who was brought down in the area but Chris Ingham hit the spot kick straight at Canning.

COLNE...2 NELSON...1

COLNE are at home to Ashton on Saturday while Nelson travel to Leek CSOB.