NELSON kick off what manager David Hall describes as a "crucial month" against Formby tomorrow.

The North West Counties Division Two leaders come to Victoria Park to start a month in which Nelson face a hat trick of big derby games against Darwen, Padiham and Colne.

Last weekend's postponement of their home game with Oldham Town means Nelson now face the team topping the second division table for the second game running.

Two weeks ago they went to previous leaders Maine Road and came away with a 1-1 draw, a performance which gives Hall encouragement ahead of Formby's visit.

He said: "They seem to score a lot of goals, which is something I wish we did. But we've only conceded 18 ourselves and nine of them were in two games.

"We played well at Maine Road, in the first half it was the best football we've played all year. We were thwarted by the opposition goalkeeper.

"But we've worked hard this week, trained on Tuesday and Thursday, so I'm confident that if we perform we'll do well."

Nelson, who are currently fifth, are at full strength for tomorrow, but it's later in the season that Hall hopes to avoid injuries hitting his squad.

He said: "If I'm in this position in April and no further down the league then I'll be happy."