THE Blues had to settle for a point after dominating most the game against third placed Blackpool Mechanics in the NWCL Division Two at Jepson Way on Saturday.

The first half was one-way traffic with Nelson forcing a succession of corners, but Mechanics hit them with a sucker punch after 36 minutes.

Danny Porter gave the home side the lead when he found the net with a low shot from their first real chance of the game.

Mechanics keeper Stuart Barton produced a great save to deny Stuart Mulligan an equaliser on the stroke of half time, but was finally beaten by Steve Tosney's header from yet another corner, after 66 minutes.

With Nigel Coates adding his experience to the Nelson attack, the Blues continued to create the better chances with Jonathan Irvine, who was this week the subject of an approach by second division rivals Colne, having his shot saved by the keeper's feet after 70 minutes and Andy Howarth seeing his free kick curl inches past the post on 80 minutes.

In the last minute Mick Molyneux and Stuart Mulligan combined to provide a low cross into the goalmouth which was agonisingly just out of reach of the Nelson strikers and typified the Blues' lack of fortune in front of goal.

Nelson manager John Bailey will be hoping to keep hold of his star striker Irvine, son of Burnley legend Willie Irvine, who has been one of the top scorers at the club over the last few seasons.

He bagged 19 goals last term and has scored 10 so far this season.

BLACKPOOL MECHANICS...1 NELSON...1