WITH Nelson and Haslingden already sharing two drawn games in the past 17 days, it was always on the cards that this third encounter in the League Challenge Cup preliminary round replay would be a close call. But when Mark Robinson shot the home side in front after only three minutes, Nelson must have felt that this was going to be their day.

They had much more of the early play and it wasn't until the half hour mark that Haslingden got a shot on target. Before that Neil Rowbotham had kicked off the line from Nigel Coates, Mark Robinson should have made it 2-0 in a one-on-one situation, and Haslingden's new keeper Danny Wright saved well from Bannister.

Nelson found themselves level after Jimmy Clarke had beat Burrows from the penalty spot, but were back in front shortly before half-time when Andy Bannister slotted home. Haslingden keeper Danny Wright pulled off second-half saves to deny Robinson, Coates and twice from Bannister. The game went to extra time when Jimmy Clarke was given too much space and he found Peter McLoughlin to slot home. The late equaliser visibly upset Nelson and they looked a tired outfit for the extra 30 minutes.

Rory McDowell put Haslingden in front for the first time and within two minutes Jimmy Clarke had rounded the keeper and full-back. Peter McLoughlin wrapped things up. with an unmarked run from the halfway line to latch on to a ball from Clarke to fire the shot past Burrows.

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