NELSON's first-round Marsden Trophy tie against Atherton LR finally took place at Victoria Park last night and produced a cracker of a finish.

Atherton started the stronger and took the lead on the half hour when Anthony Smith drove in a free kick through a crowded Nelson goalmouth beating the unsighted Mark Canning.

Five minutes after half time the game looked to be over when Barry Massay headed home Atherton's second goal to confirm the visitors' superiority.

Nelson however, were far from finished and pressurised their opponents defence during the final half hour of the game, finally making the breakthrough with a goal three minutes from full time.

Lifted by the goal they went on to force an equaliser in the last minute and take the tie into extra time.

With the Blues in the ascendancy Atherton were forced to defend desperately during the added half hour and were reduced to 10 men at the end of the first period when they had a player sent off.

Nelson however, were unable to capitalise and during the ensuing penalty shoot-out Atherton held their nerve to score all five spot kicks and put the Blues out of the competition.

NELSON...2

ATHERTON LR...2 (aet)

Atherton won 5-3 on pens