NELSON secured all three points but were made to fight all the way by a spirited Castleton Gabriels.

John Bailey's side took the lead after 29 minutes when Scott Gizon's downward header bounced over the advancing keeper.

The Blues though were then punished just two minutes before half time when Mark Smith gave away a penalty and Gary Hulme equalised.

Five minutes into the second half Andy Bannister restored Nelson's lead, again from the penalty spot after Gabriels defender Jason Simon handled a dangerous cross.

Castleton hit back on 61 minutes when Andy Meehan found space to the left of goal and beat Mark Canning.

Nelson's abilty to win the game looked in doubt until substitute Nigel Coates forced the keeper to block his shot after 85 minutes and the rebound fell to Jonathan Irvine, also on as sub, while rifled the ball home from 12 yards.

It was another late show from the Blues after Irvine had given them a 1-0 win in the 88th minute on Saturday.

RESULT: CASTLETON GABS...2 NELSON...3