CHEADLE TOWN 1 NELSON 0 NELSON produced one of their poorest performances of the season so far as they meekly surrendered the three points to Cheadle Town at Park Road Stadium in the NWCL Division Two.

Micky Bartholomew came closest to scoring for the Blues when his shot hit the Cheadle post after 28 minutes but Nigel Coates wasted his chance 10 minutes later by heading over the crossbar when unmarked.

Keeper Mark Canning kept Nelson in the game with a double save just before half time and was kept busy throughout the game as the home side were quick to exploit the suspect Blues defence.

It came as no surprise when Mick Channon outpaced the last Nelson defender and fired his side into the lead with a low angled shot on the hour.

Cheadle should have doubled their lead within a minute but Simon Woodford completely missed his shot with the Nelson goal at his mercy.

Lee Coldridge was unlucky when his cross came back off the Cheadle woodwork after 67 minutes but Cheadle held the upper hand in the closing stages. A p romising performance by young substitute Laurie Cryer provided the only bright spot of the game for the Nelson fans.