NELSON have lost the services of young striker Carl Howarth.

The 20-year-old, who joined the Victoria Park side last season after being released from Everton, has been snapped up by UniBond Premier side Burscough.

Howarth, from Burnley, scored 19 goals last season which took Nelson to the verge of promotion from the North West Counties League Division Two only to miss out on the final day of the season.

"It's a big loss but you can't fault anybody for moving up the league," said boss John Bailey.

"Burscough came in for him as they sign a few of the lads Everton release, that's how they know about him.

"He is only a young lad and did well for us but if a higher league club comes in then you can't stand in their way."

Bailey is hoping to keep hold of most of the side that did so well last season and is aiming to get some games himself as he is on the road to recovery from a back injury.

"I might get the old boots out again and see what happens.

"Other than that we have one or two things in the pipeline and hope to have a few new signings to make the side even stronger."