NELSON are desperate for victory after 'their worst performance of the season.'

The Blues lost 1-0 to Cheadle last Saturday - their second successive loss - which means they have now won just once in their last 11 encounters, although they have drawn six of these.

They need to bounce back at NWCL Division newcomers Norton United tomorrow - who lie just two places below them in the table.

"It was out worst performance of the season. We were awful," groaned boss John Bailey, who has led the Blues to the brink of promotion for the last two seasons. "We've have just got to hope for a better new year.

"We have lost five players through those that left and injuries and those coming in have taken time to gel. But if we can turn it around this week, then it will build up our confidence and we may go on. We just need that win."

John Bailey added Stand striker Micky Bartholomew to his squad last week for the Cheadle game. "He had a quiet debut but the frontmen didn't get much service."