UPBEAT Nelson aim for a major scalp tonight as they hit the M6 for a big trip north in the second round of the United Co-Operatives Lancashire FA Challenhge Trophy.

Mark Fell’s classy Admirals shot to the top of the North West Counties League First Division on Saturday as they crushed Ashton Town 5-1 at Victoria Park – and they bid to take that feelgood factor with them on the road as they head to Giant Axe for their second round clash with Lancaster City.

And while the manager is happy with being at the top of the table, he knows tonight’s trip offers his men the chance to shine on a bigger stage.

“We will mix things up a little bit,” said Fell. “Players who have not played that much will get a chance to stake their claims for a run in the side.

“We will go to Lancaster with no fear and enjoy the occasion. We are not expected to do anything there but we will go up there and see what happens.”

Nelson are flying at the moment but former Whinney Hill boss Fell, who has just celebrated a year in charge of the Admirals, wants more from his men.

Despite the 5-1 weekend win Fell was disappointed with the first-half show against Ashton and he said: “I was really pleased with the result on Saturday. Ashton are a good side who can pose a threat and we knew we had to be on our game and we were.

“But I was disappointed with our intensity in the first half and we lacked a bit of urgency and we had to speak at half-time about how to change things and we did just that.”

Former Lancaster man George Melling misses out on a return to his old club through injury.

Bacup and Rossendale Borough are also on the road in the Lancashire Challenge Trophy as they head to Wigan Robin Park, while Chorley are also in action and they welcome Atherton Collieries to Victory Park for a derby in the competition.