NELSON made a positive start to the new NWCL Division Two season with a comfortable victory at Edge Green Street.

Ther Blues opened the scoring on 12 minutes when Stuart Mulligan beat the off side trap to score after good work by new boy Lee Coldridge, but the celebrations were short-lived as Lee Cunliffe equalised soon after.

Nelson regained the lead on 15 minutes when Mark Robinson got on the end of Andy Bannister's cross to net and the lead was increased on 24 minutes when Robinson turned provider and Scott Gilchrist gratefully accepted.

The game was beyond Ashton's reach when Gilchrist scored his second goal just after the interval.

Paul Finney headed home a corner for Ashton on 58 minutes but it was nothing more than a consolation.

RESULT: ASHTON TOWN...2 NELSON...4

Nelson are at home to Squires Gate on Wednesday.