NELSON suffered their biggest home defeat in over two years on a night they will surely wish to forget.

The Blues, bidding for promotion to the NWCL Division One after two years of near misses, had opened this campaign well with a 4-2 opening day victory over Ashton.

But they couldn't reproduce the form last night and will now aim to put on a better home show against league newcomers Stand on Saturday.

The early exchanges against Squires Gate were evenly fought with both keepers being forced into action during an eventful first half.

But it was the visitors who gradually increased the tempo as the half time whistle approached and they took the lead on 43 minutes when Catlow headed Paynter's cross past Mark Canning in the Nelson goal.

Nelson made an improved start after the break and thought they had drawn level on 55 minutes when Andy Bannister fired home from close range, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

Ten minutes later Lee Coleridge had a great chance to make amends when he was put through on goal but the advancing keeper made a great save to deny the Nelson player.

This was the pivotal moment in the game as Gate proceeded to take the ball up to the other end of the field and doubled their advantage with a well placed shot by Manchester.

Manager John Bailey, playing at centre half, rearranged the side at this point in an attempt to salvage at least a draw, but the Blues were hit by the sucker punch immediately when Paynter was allowed a clear run on goal to calmly slot the ball past Canning to give the scoreline a flattering appearance.

RESULT: NELSON... 0 SQUIRES GATE... 3