The Blues second string travelled to the outskirts of Liverpool to take on the current Reserve team league leaders Skelmersdale United.

With only one change from the team that won 2-1 at Salford - Andy Bannister for Darren Green - the Blues knew that with the correct attitude and aptitude, then a big upset was on the cards.

The Blues started brightly enough, because after 7 minutes, an explosive shot from skipper Greg Boyes, was only parried by the 'keeper and Bannister was on hand to fire home.

Skelmersdale then started to hit back at Nelson, forcing the back 4 of Lee Sanderson, Mick Collins, David Bickerstaffe and the evergreen Jason Warwick into some desperate defending.

They hit the post, forced numerous corners, and had 'keeper Steven Petty under pressure. This continued for most of the 1st half, with the Blues only attacking on a few occasions.

Manager Andy Wych regrouped the troops during the halftime interval, telling the team that if they played with the same character as they had just done, then this upset was well and truly on.

The second half was much like the 1st, Nelson under pressure, Skelmersdale pressing forward, Nelson just clearing their lines to great effect. The last 15 minutes was just like the Alamo, with none stop attacking from Skelmersdale, so much so that at one of the many corners they forced, there was no less than 9 of the Skelmersdale team in the penalty area. But the Blues withstood the pressure and the final whistle was welcome relief to all connected with Nelson FC.

Manager Andy Wych was full of praise and congratulations for all of his squad. We were fantastic in all department today, very workman like, and very effective. We now don't play pretty football, just football the way it is supposed to be played, which is get the ball away from our goals and put it in the opponents goals. Simple.

Next week the Blues 2nd string are at home to Ashton Town. Kick off 3-00pm.

Today's team:- 1 Steven Petty.
2 Michael Collins.
3 Lee Sanderson.
4 Jason Warwick.
5 David Bickerstaffe.
6 Mark Harrison.
7 Paul Nutter.
8 Andy Bannister.
9 John Whiteside.
10 Paul Harrison.
11 Greg Boyes.

12 Darren Green.
13 Wayne Shaw.
14 Ben Sweeney.

With thanks for the report once again to Andy Wych.