NELSON travel to Marske United tomorrow looking to book their place in the national stages of the FA Vase.

It is unchartered waters for player/manager Alex Mugan and a Nelson side who have returned to the competition after a number of years of self-imposed exile.

“I’ve never been so far in the competition and, as far as I am aware, neither have the club,” said Mugan who took up the manager’s job at Victoria Park in July.

“The club hasn’t entered it for a couple of years and to be just one game away from the national stage is a great achievement for us.

The Blues face a tough task on their trip to the North East as Marske are currently second in Northern League Division Two and unbeaten at home.

But victory will also earn the club £1,300, something not lost on Mugan.

“Winning the game is the main thing but the money is important as well for a club of our size,” added Mugan who will only be without Steve Naden.

“So we’ll be looking to keep on winning and keep on picking up the cheques.”