NELSON took the lead after six minutes when Ian Mason put Craig Holden through. Several other chances were created.

At the other end Nelson's defence looked confident.

In the second half Darwen imposed themselves and began to dominate. Fifteen minutes after the break a Nelson defender was caught in possession and the resultant pass was hit home. Straight from the kick off Ian Mason dribbled past four players before crossing to Whiteside who headed home to restore the lead for Nelson.

With 11 minutes remaining, Nelson lost possession carelessly in midfield and the defence failed to cut out a pass which was converted by Darwen. Hocking pounced to get what looked like the winner when once again Nelson lost possession in a dangerous area.

But 'never-say-die' Nelson - unbeaten since the first game of the season - salvaged a point with only two minutes remaining when Paul Nutter's shot was parried and Whiteside did the rest.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.