NEW Nelson boss Paul Fildes is delighted with the attitude and commitment of his players in his first two games in charge.

The Admirals have suffered successive 4-2 defeats in Fildes’ opening games against 1874 Northwich and Cammell Laird, but Mark Fell’s successor is happy with what he has seen in two games played in terrible conditions.

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Nelson saw a 2-1 lead turn into defeat to the Lairds on Saturday in the Men United Cup third round, and although Fildes was disappointed to lose the game he believes the loss of Stephen Cassidy to cramp and Luke Thompson to an ankle injury was the turning point.

“We were controlling the game and it went to 2-1. I thought it was our game to be had, but that’s football sometimes,” he said.

“I’ve been in charge two games now. It’s a rebuilding process for us. I was thinking we would probably lose a couple of games while hoping we were going to win a few, but it’s still early days.

“Both games have been in 40mph winds in pouring rain on two cut-up pitches and played in a mud bath.

“Apart from the attitude and commitment of the players you can’t really get any more out of it, you’ve got to hope for a bit of luck.

“It’s hard to judge those two games, you just want to see the right attitude.”

Fildes will go in search of a first win in charge on the Fylde coast tonight, as long as the North West Counties Premier Division clash against strugglers AFC Blackpool beats the inclement weather.

But if it does go ahead the conditions will once again prove to be difficult.

“Even in summer it’s gale force winds over there, it’s a wide open pitch and Blackpool is Blackpool,” said Fildes.

“They always seem to have a strong, physical side. It will be another tough game.

“When we get that first win it will snowball because of the attitude of the lads. It will come, I know it will come.”

Fildes is beginning to put his own stamp on the squad having signed goalkeeper Sean Davis from Padiham.

Davis’ arrival at Victoria Park follows the return of Robert Grimes, who joined Fildes’ side after nine months out of the game.

“They’re good quality local players and Nelson wants a more local feel and make it a family club,” added the Blues’ new boss.

“They are two great signings.

“Personally I think we need to strengthen a little bit more, there are a few areas we need to improve, but it’s a rebuilding period and this year is all about building for next year.

“We want to get something out of this year and we want to do well, but it’s about preparation for next year to hit the ground running.”