NELSON notched up their second victory of the new millennium by defeating an Ashton Town side who were much better than their league position suggests.

After an even opening period the Blues took the lead after 23 minutes when Mark Robinson was pulled back by his marker inside the visitors' penalty area and Les Thompson sent the keeper the wrong way from the spot kick.

Just before half time Nelson escaped when Neil Lloyd hit the woodwork for the second time in the game. Five minutes after the interval however, Stuart Mulligan gave the Blues some breathing space when he scored their second goal following a Darren Whitaker corner.

On 65 minutes however, Nelson were reduced to 10 men when Chris Halstead was sent off for a late tackle. With the wind and heavy rain at their backs, the Blues still looked the favourites but Ashton pulled a goal back five minutes from time when Gary Jackson followed up a Neil Lloyd shot which Jim Davis did well to block.

Goalkeeper Davis was in action again in the next minute denying Jackson an equaliser, but in an end-to-end finale, it was Nelson who had the last word when Mark Robinson rounded the Ashton keeper and slotted in the home side's third goal in the 90th minute.

Nelson's next game is at Bacup Borough tomorrow evening in the Second Division Trophy.

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