NELSON player-manager John Bailey isn't yet dreaming of Wembley, but he is hoping to make a few people sit up and take notice as the Victoria Park club set out on the FA Vase trail tomorrow.

And that in itself is something distinctly different with Skelmersdale United the visitors for Nelson's first Vase tie in three seasons.

Financial considerations have had to take priority in the past two years, with Nelson wary of being landed with a hefty bill for expenses, particularly when their opponents travelled long distances.

But Bailey has persuaded the club to give it a go again this season and he is banking on the experience he has drafted into the side to make it worthwhile - from a football, if not necessarily a financial point of view.

"I wanted to go back into the competition," said the player-boss who will line up against 'Skem' in the first qualifying round tomorrow.

"It gives the players a bit of a lift and the supporters get excited if you can have a bit of a run.

"In fact the whole town can be lifted."

Bailey only has to look to Clitheroe for a recent example of what can happen when a club has a good Vase run, or, indeed, talk to his assistant Nigel Coates, who tasted Wembley success with Colne Dynamoes. Coates, having recovered from a bout of blood poisoning, which put him in hospital, will take his place in the front line against Skelmersdale, even though he may not yet be fully match fit.

And it is that kind of experience which has served Nelson so well in a flying start to the season.

"We are still unbeaten and have yet to concede a goal at home," said Bailey. "We are very pleased with the way things have been going.

"I made two or three signings such as Les Thompson (ex-Burnley and Stanley), Ian Lang (ex-Great Harwood and Clitheroe) and Rob Mulloy (ex-Stanley). They have a lot of experience and have been a great help to the younger players at the club.

"The youngsters have ability but they need the steel and experience around them.

"To be honest, I was a bit surprised when they agreed to join us. But they came, we are winning games and they seem to be enjoying themselves."

The last time Nelson played in the Vase, they fell at the first hurdle.

But, even though they have been handed a tough draw against NWTFL First Division side Skelmersdale, don't write them off. "Even though we are expecting a difficult tie, we have home advantage and we are looking forward to it," said Bailey.

"I expect Skelmersdale to be a typical Merseyside team, strong and competitive. But it's a one-off and we have a very good home record.

"We are hoping to have a nice run."

Nelson have been dealt a major blow with the loss of quicksilver striker Mark Robinson, who picked up a hamstring injury at Darwen in midweek.

Craig Whittaker is still suspended, Chris Halstead and Andy Haworth are ruled out with calf and knee injuries respectively and Darren Whittaker is unavailable.

But Bailey added: "We have cover and people to come in and do a job for us."

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