ADAM Nuttall struck an extra time winner as Nelson began life without Mark Fell by securing a spot in the MEN United Cup third round after an enthralling extra time victory over Congleton Town.
The Admirals are currently without a manager after Fell quit the club last week but they were quickly two goals up at Victoria Park through Waqar Azam and Any Bell.
Andrew Alston halved the deficit just after the half hour but Nuttall put Nelson 3-1 up at the break.
And it looked like the home side were cruising into round three until Tony Blair struck for Congleton eight minutes from time. Sam Marshall then grabbed a last minute equaliser to send the tie into an extra 30 minutes but Nuttall’s 99th minute strike proved to be the winner.
Padiham are also through after a 3-2 away win over AFC Liverpool. Leading 1-0 after a 12th minute strike by Curtis Haley the Storks fell behind to two Steve Jones goals.
But Padiham levelled after the break when Lee Botham headed a Chris Turner free kick over home keeper Ryan Jones to make it 2-2.
And on 74 minutes the Storks got the winner when Martin Parkes got his head to a Turner corner to make it 3-2 and clinch a third round home time with Runcorn Town.
Bacup Borough are also through after a fine 4-2 away win over Hanley Town.
Kelvin Trippier put Borough in front only for Theo Stair to level from the spot three minutes later.
Thomas Black restored the visitors’ advantage after the break but Nick Ward hit back for Hanley.
Shane Bottles put Borough ahead for a third time and there was no way back for the home side once Matthew Dell added a late fourth.
Colne booked their passage into the next round on Friday night when two goals in the final three minutes from Ben Allen and Dominic Craig helped them win 2-1 at Rochdale Town who led through Ryan Alessandra’s 28th minute strike.
Barnoldswick Town are out after they lost 3-1 at home to Ashton Athletic. The visitors went in front on 15 minutes through Jon Robinson but Harry Thompson restored parity seven minutes later.
But a late own goal and Daniel Smith strike saw Ashton into round three.
AFC Darwen also bowed out by the same scoreline at home to AFC Blackpool. Nick Hepple was on target for the home side.
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