The draws for both the above cups were made over the weekend, with Nelson finding out their respective opponents.
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It's a very different scenario this time around though. Late in 1953 Nelson were one of the top sides in the strong Lancashire Combination League, although they went down 4-1 in a first round tie. This time, the match is in the Preliminary Round, and Nelson find themselves taking on opponents two divisions higher in what is sure to be a tough test.
Not that it's impossible though. Indeed three seasons before that 4-1 defeat, the two sides met at the very same first round stage, with the Blues returning home as 2-1 victors, setting up a second round tie at Port Vale.
The opponents are a little more familiar for our Vase encounter, as we face a home match against fellow Second Division side Maine Road.
The Mancunians only just failed to clinch promotion at the first attempt last season, which was due in part to their meetings with Nelson which both resulted in 2-1 defeats.
The first, in Manchester, was on the opening day of the season, with the second an impressive performance at home while the visitors were riding high at the top of the table. Another effort like that one should see us go close to starting another welcome run in the competition.
