NELSON 6 DAISY HILL 0

NELSON returned to NWCL Division Two league action after a two-week absence with a comprehensive victory over the Westhoughton side.

Nerves were eased as early as the first minute when Jon Irvine's precise cross caught the visitors keeper napping, allowing Scott Gizon to slot the ball home from close range.

The Blues created numerous opportunities to increase the lead during the first half, but they found the keeper in fine form, particularly when he managed to deflect a fine volley by Irvine over the bar shortly before the break.

The crucial goal arrived on the hour when Carl Howarth worked a cross from the right, which found Gizon on the far post and he slammed the ball in for his second of the night.

With the game safe, manager John Bailey made a couple of substitutions and changed the formation with devastating effect.

Carl Howarth was put clean through shortly after and his pass found namesake Andy Howarth who shot powerfully past the keeper.

Gizon completed his hat trick on 80 minutes, with Carl Howarth and Stuart Mulligan completing the rout in the dying minutes.

The win takes Nelson into second place, one point behind leaders Blackpool Mechanics, but with a game in hand.