Blues crush the Reds at Holt House.
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Nelson came out on top in the local derby at Holt House thanks to a first half goal by Ashley Higgins which came towards the end of a half dominated by the Blues.
Nelson should have been well in front by this stage. As early as the first minute, Colne keeper Russell Sannders was in action to turn John Luker's header over his crossbar. And seven minutes later, Martin Payne tested the Colne keeper with a good shot. Payne should have given Nelson the lead when he raced into the penalty area onto Ashley Higgins' diagonal pass but shot inches over the bar from close range.
Lance Ogunyode was a revelation up front and tormented the Colne defence with his lightning runs throughout the game but Billy Priestley made some good tackles to cut out the danger.
At the other end, Chris Thompson made some good saves to keep out Priestley's shot following a corner and Matt Tindall's angled drive following a good run on the left wing.
After 43 minutes, Nelson got the goal they deserved when Anthony Young's long throw in fell to Ashley Higgins on the edge of the penalty area and he found the net with a well struck shot on the turn that flew just inside the far post.
In the second half, Colne had the advantage of the slope and Chris Thompson needed to make a great save to prevent Michael Cruz from equalising from a clear opening. On 65 minutes, Andy Tinker was taken by surprise when the ball came to him in front of goal and could only direct his point blank header straight at Chris Thompson.
But eight minutes later, only a desperate goal-line tackle by Martin Broderick prevented Lance Ogunyode from doubling Nelson's lead after Chris Ogunyode and Sam Heap had set up the chance.
In the end to end play, Steve Pickup cut out Heap's cross with Chris Ogunyode clear in the home penalty area while, at the other end, Matt Tindall struck the Nelson post with his shot after beating defenders on the bye-line.
John Luker was outstanding in the Nelson defence as the home side threw players forward in the closing stages but again it was Colne keeper Russell Sannders who denied Nelson when he turned Chris Ogunyode's blistering free kick over the bar and then made a one-handed save to keep out Sam Heap's shot when the Nelson striker had broken clear of the home defence.
It was a strong all round team performance by the Blues and they will be confident of continuing where they left off when the meet Abbey Hey on Saturday in the FA Vase at Victoria Park. |
