NELSON will be hoping to play North West Counties Division One side Ramsbottom on a level footing next season and had a good test of how they have come since narrowly missing out on promotion last year.

The NWCL Division Two side, who looked near-certainties for promotion but missed out for the second year running at the end of the last campaign, tested Rams keeper Danny Caldwell in the first half as the Blues attack was rampant but, against the run of play, the visitors grabbed the lead.

Striker Russell Brierley headed home after 25 minutes. Nelson's Stuart Mulligan hit back four minutes later after a flowing build up and Rams keeper Caldwell then performed heroics to keep out Nelson's attack.

But in the second half it was Ramsbottom who stole the show.

Brierley restored their lead when he headed home the rebound after Barry White's shot came back off the bar on 70 minutes and Dave Yorke-Robinson struck a post just five minutes later.

Mark Hayes blasted in his side's third goal on 86 minutes after Nelson keeper Steve Petty could only block a fierce shot but Nigel Coates pulled a goal back for Nelson with a cool finish one minute later.

RESULT: NELSON 2... RAMSBOTTOM 3