WITH Padiham having the edge in the first half and Nelson having the better second half a 1-1 scoreline was about right for this NWCL derby at the Arbories.

Both managers could point to incidents which might have changed the game: Padiham appealed for a penalty when Anthony McCluskey was felled in the box and Nelson had a second half goal by Lee Coldridge rather controversially disallowed for offside.

In the end the two incidents evened themselves up and the only thing that mattered was the two goals that were scored.

Padiham took the lead in the 19th minute when a right wing break and cross by Steve Yeoman found John Harrison in space and the little left hand sided midfield player headed pinpoint into the top corner to make it 1-0.

Five minutes before half time Nelson drew level, a corner being well met by the head of veteran striker Nigel Coates to send the two sides in at 1-1 for the break.

In the second half both sides created half chances with Nelson going the closest late in the game when Andy Howarth and Andre Gacesa squandered good openings from close range.

RESULT: PADIHAM...1 NELSON...1