NELSON boss David Hall is singing his players' praises after their performance in Tuesday's Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy second round tie at Morecambe.

Despite conceding in the first 15 seconds and going 2-0 down after 13 minutes, Nelson fought back to eventually lose 3-2 to a side five divisions above them.

"They were absolutely brilliant," said Hall. "I was really, really pleased.

"We went behind after 15 seconds but I was annoyed about that rather than concerned because that wasn't us, it was just nerves. We were like rabbits in the headlights.

"But we played our football and matched them man for man, everybody was superb.

"They had the sponsor's names on the front of their shirts and their own names on the back. It was their first team squad, but we had them rattled.

"I was hoping we could achieve something because that was our goal when we set off. We did that and we need to use the performance as a platform for the rest of the season."

A home game with New Mills will be the first chance to do that tomorrow.

Hall said: "We owe them one because last time we scored three away from home but threw some goals in."

Brad Pates could be back from injury but Duncan Bennett will be out after picking up a knock at Morecambe.

However, Liam Lishman's impressive debut in midfield was a further boost to Hall, whose side are sixth despite not completing a league game since before Christmas.

Paul Fildes, meanwhile, will join Padiham after the weekend following a frustrating first half of the season in which he only scored one goal.

Hall said: "He wants to play regular first team football and I can't offer him that, so I wish him all the best."

NELSON boss Hall is singing his players' praises after their performance in Tuesday's Lancashire FA Marsden Trophy second round tie at Morecambe.

Despite conceding in the first 20 seconds and going 2-0 down after 13 minutes, Nelson fought back to eventually lose 3-2 to a side five divisions above them.

"They were absolutely brilliant," said Hall. "I was really, really pleased.

"We went behind after 15 seconds but I was annoyed about that rather than concerned because that wasn't us, it was just nerves. We were like rabbits in the headlights.

"But played our football and matched them man for man, everybody was superb.

"They had sponsor's names on the front of their shirts and their own names on the back. It was their first team squad, but we had them rattled.

"I was hoping we could achieve something because that was our goal when we set off. We did that and we need to use the performance as a platform for the rest of the season."

A home North West Counties Division Two game with New Mills will be the first chance to do that tomorrow.

Hall said: "We own them one because last time we scored three away from home but threw some goals in."

Brad Pates could be back from injury but Duncan Bennett will be out after picking up a knock at Morecambe.

However, Liam Lishman's impressive debut in midfield was a further boost to Hall, whose side are sixth despite not completing a league game since before Christmas.

Paul Fildes, meanwhile, has left for Padiham after a frustrating first half of the season in which he only scored one goal.

Hall said: "He wants to play regular first team football and I can't offer him that, so I wish him all the best."