NELSON are in FA Vase action tomorrow desperately needing a win to revitalise their season.

The Blues visit Lincolnshire side Louth United in the first round and need a tonic after a winless run of six games.

It's been a traumatic time for manager John Bailey who has lost three of his key players.

Striker Kiko Rodriguez has recently become manager of Burnley United and Nelson players Scott Gizon and Craig Heffernen have also linked up with Kiko.

Added to this the injuries to Mark Robinson and Andy Bannister and a squad which started the season with five wins in their opening six games has been broken up.

But one man who may be able to pick them up for this game is Nigel Coates, who played for Colne Dynamoes in their FA Vase 1-0 triumph over Emley at Wembley in 1988.

"It was good to play in the Vase final," said the 38-year-old striker. "And of course to play at Wembley. When the Vase comes round it is nice to remember.

"I think to win the Vase you need a bit of money and luck. We had both at Colne but that is in the past.

"I don't think realistically Nelson have a chance of winning it and in the last few seasons we haven't even got this far.

"But it would be nice to get a run. Losing the players is a massive blow so a win would be a boost."

On the plus side, Bailey is on the hunt for new blood and Carl Howarth has returned to Victoria Park.

The young striker, who came to Nelson after he was released from Everton last season, joined UniBond side Burscough at the start of this season but has returned, for now, on a temporary basis.