NELSON managed to get the better of the weather and Formby in a one-sided North West Counties' League Second Division clash.

Nigel Coates's men started on top and took the lead on seven minutes when Matt Shields robbed a defender and hit in a sweet left foot shot from 15 yards.

Nelson controlled play in all departments and doubled their lead on 25 minutes when Neil Bancroft fed Paul Corrigan, who chipped the keeper in real style.

Then, with half-time only seconds away, the ball was played across from a corner and the referee awarded a penalty after John Bailey was held down.

The same player kept his cool to score from the spot and kill the game.

Formby seemed happy to prevent further damage after the break and defended in numbers.

Coates came on late in the game and missed a good chance, while Mick Threlfall, in the Nelson goals, had one of his quietest afternoons in a long time. Nelson are in action next on Wednesday night when they travel away to play Cheadle Town.

BRADFORD PA 1 GREAT HARWOOD TOWN 3 GREAT Harwood Town ended two records in this UniBond First Division clash, much to the delight of boss Mick Higgins.

Bottom of the league and without a single away win all season, Great Harwood must have felt the writing was on the wall before they kicked off against unbeaten at home Bradford.

But the battling Lancastrians were in no mood to lie down and die and came out on top in a gutsy Roses encounter.

Town were rampant and as well as grabbing three fine goals, had two more disallowed plus a penalty saved.

The first goal came on 55 minutes when a Alan Byrom free kick was played to Graham Sanders, who set up Paul Baker for a spectacular overhead kick. Man-of-the-match Barry Diamond was brought down on 75 minutes, but Baker saw his penalty saved.

Town continued to battle and made it 2-0 when Matt Reywood ended a weaving run with a crisp finish.

Steve Whitehead made it 3-0 from a corner on 79 minutes and the points were safe.

Bradford did manage to grab a consolation goal in injury time, but there was no way back for the Yorkshire men.

"It helped a lot to get a win. We have moved up two places and must make sure that we keep it going," said Higgins.

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