HONOURS ended even in this closely contested derby at Victoria Park, with both sides fighting hard until the final whistle.

Nelson enjoyed a good opening period and dominated the first 20 minutes, but the visitors held out and threatened to take a shock lead when Ian Lang was forced to clear Chris Heslop's shot off the goal line as Great Harwood found their form.

Andy Haworth made a vital clearance for the Blues before keeper Billy Carrington turned John Eastham's shot round the post.

Nelson regained their composure and forced their opponents back on the defensive before half-time, but failed to capitalise even when Craig Bradshaw looked sure to score just before the interval.

Great Harwood took the lead 10 minutes into the second half when Chris Heslop raced clear to the left of goal and clipped the ball past the advancing Billy Carrington and into the net, and for a while the visitors looked like extending their lead.

However, Nelson lifted themselves once again and almost snatched an equaliser when Paul Barrett powered his header inches over the crossbar and had to leave the field with concussion.

Minutes later the Blues pulled themselves level when Scott Bradley's cross found Craig Bradshaw at the far post and the Nelson striker forced the ball home after 70 minutes.

Play was end to end in the ensuing period with both sides looking for the winning goal but having to settle for a draw after an entertaining game.

NELSON ...1

GREAT HARWOOD TOWN ...1