Nelson's second team won at Flixton on Saturday in the first round of the Reserve Cup. Bill Stell Reports.

The club’s second string progressed through to the 2nd round of the cup on Saturday at the expense of Flixton. The game was fairly even when a well struck shot on the turn by Jon Bradley put the visitors ahead on 20 minutes, a lead they held to half time.

They doubled their lead shortly after the break when a misdirected backpass by a Flixton player eluded the goalkeeper for an own goal.

This seemed to spur the home side on and the Nelson defence came under increasing pressure, with only fine saves from goalkeeper Simon Hewitt keeping their lead intact. The pressure did eventually tell though and Flixton scored two late goals to take the game into extra time.

A substitution at the start of extra time changed the game in favour of the reserves. After having a goal disallowed for a dubious offside decision, substitute Wayne Duxbury raced on to a pass from Andy Bennett to shoot past the helpless home keeper.

The same pair settled the tie for Nelson when Bennett unselfishly squared the ball to Duxbury who again gave the keeper no chance.

This again was a fine all round performance by the reserves, who now face Ashton Town in the next round.

Bill Stell