THE striker crisis at the club had a domino effect on the Nelson's second string who opened their account with an unconvincing display at a sun-soaked Victoria Park.

They were forced to play without a big target man, and to compound matters, Steve Ross who deputised, only lasted 45 minutes before limping off. Three players made their debuts and a couple of others were playing out of position.

However, excuses aside, the team did nothing to enhance the reputation of Nelson FC. Carping on about missing players cannot disguise the fact that an ordinary Daisy Hill side managed to take all three points.

They scored with their only shot of the first half, whilst an unbalanced Nelson looked disjointed and in spite of a few chances and a harshly disallowed goal, could not break down a static defence.

Daisy Hill made it 2-0 with a disputed second on the hour - when the ball seemed to be cleared off the line - and they went 3-0 up when one of several long balls caught a tired-looking home team square.

Craig Holden scored a good consolation on his debut after Hutchinson and the subdued Roscoe combined well but the late fight back was in vain. Young Daryl Holden joined his brother on the field late on and looked promising.

Manager Andy Wych's dressing room lock-in afterwards left the players in no doubt of the standards expected in the First North Western Trains League.

This Saturday's home game against Bacup (kick off 3pm) will hopefully give him and the spectators more joy.

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