A LATE George Melling goal saw Nelson to a fine 2-1 home win over AFC Liverpool in the North West Counties League Premier Division.

The result moved Mark Fell's side to within a point of their visitors as they continue to impress in their first season at this level.

The Admirals took an early lead through Peter Wright after just seven minutes. The striker was on hand to finish a fine move when he got on the end of Danny Mahoney's cross.

Jack Sinnott restored parity for the visitors on the quarter hour when glanced home a header at the near post.

But Nelson, who have now won four straight league games, were by far the better side after the interval and got their reward seven minutes from time when Melling bundled home substitute Jonny Hession's cross.

The result leaves Nelson in sixth spot but with a game in hand on the two sides immediately above them.

Colne are hot on the Admirals' heels after a five star showing in their victory over St Helens Town.

The 5-2 victory was their fifth league win on the bounce and Steve Cunningham's side have scored at least four times in four of those matches.

Spencer Jordan was the chief threat in their win on Saturday as he helped himself to a hat-trick while the prolific Danny Boyle was also on target for his 18th goal of the season.

Jordan put the Reds in front midway through the opening half when he slotted home a rebound after Boyle's initial shot was blocked.

Andy Tinker made it two just three minutes later when he swept home Boyle's cross but St Helens hit back within three minutes thanks to a Chad Whyte penalty.

But Colne started the second half strongly and restored their two-goal cushion on 49 minutes when Jordan was sent through to score. He completed his hat-trick seven minutes later after a scramble in the box and on 60 minutes the result was put firmly beyond doubt when Boyle clipped home following a clever pass from Chris Anderson.

St Helens were then reduced to 10 men when Ryan Duffy was sent off for an off the ball incident but the home side did have some late cheer when Kristian Bell found the net in the closing stages.

Colne were not the only East Lancashire side to hit five as Barnoldswick Town stormed to just their third victory of the season in a 5-0 win over Stockport Sports courtesy of four goals in the final 13 minutes.

Barlick remain in the bottom three but are now just a point behind their weekend visitors after an encouraging display.

Joel Melia broke the deadlock for the hosts midway through the opening period but Stewart Airdrie's side had to wait until the final 13 minutes to seal the points.

Christopher Ridehalgh doubled the advantage before Jake McEneaney made the points safe three minutes from time.

There was still time for Harry Thompson and Joe Beckwith to add their names to the scoresheet with stoppage time strikes.

The win was Barlick's first in 10 attemptssince they overcame struggling neighbours Bacup & Rossendale Borough in September.

Brent Peters' side remain at the foot of the table after they lost 1-0 at Alsager Town. Michael Blundell got the only goal of the game on 10 minutes.