NELSON stormed to a 4-0 North West Counties League Premier Division win at home to Padiham on Tuesday – as Colne cemented their place at the top.

Nelson had gone into the big derby clash on the back of a 3-0 defeat at Cammell Laird, which was described by manager Mark Fell as the worst performance of his reign.

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But his side bounced back in style to pile on the woe for Padiham, who had gone down 5-1 at West Didsbury & Chorlton on Saturday.

The Admirals, featuring new signing Waqas Azam, the former Burnley youth team captain, opened the scoring in the fifth minute through Mark Jackson after Sam Livesey’s header was saved.

Padiham responded strongly, but after hitting the post they fell further behind in the 18th minute, Livesey burst through the middle of the park and just about managed to beat Michael Donlon for his second of the evening.

Man-of-the-match Jackson then scored his second three minutes later, with a wonderful shot, before Livesey made it a brace of his own in the 57th minute with a cool finish.

The victory hauled Nelson up to second and ensured they remained within three points of unbeaten leaders Colne, who won 4-1 at Squires Gate.

Three goals in the space of seven first-half minutes, scored by Jason Hart, Marc Young and Ben Allen, effectively killed the contest.

It was left up to Dom Craig to round off the scoring for the Reds in the 90th minute.

Barnoldswick Town slipped to fourth in the standings after a late collapse condemned them to a 3-1 defeat at Silsden.

Barlick, having led through James Crorken, conceded three times in the final 12 minutes.