NELSON worked hard to get back on the winning trail at the Whitebank Stadium and would not have been flattered if the scoreline had been doubled.

The Blues suffered a 5-0 loss to Daisy Hill on Saturday - only their second loss in nine games.

But the NWCL Division Two title hopefuls bounced back in style at Oldham.

Kiko Rodriguez gave Nelson the lead after only three minutes, taking the ball round the keeper after Scott Gilchrist laid on the chance.

With the Blues dominant it was no surprise when Nigel Coates added their second goal after 15 minutes with a blistering shot to round off a good build-up.

Jonathan Irvine put Nelson three goals in front after 24 minutes with a low drive past the Oldham keeper.

Sustained pressure on the Oldham goal looked to have paid dividends after 42 minutes when the Blues won a penalty for a push on Jonathan Irvine. But the centre forward failed to convert the spot kick at the second attempt after the referee had ruled out his first successful effort.

Oldham were gifted a goal after 55 minutes when a misunderstanding in the Nelson defence allowed John Joyce to nip in and tuck the ball past Mark Canning to make the score 1-3.

The setback however, was brushed aside as John Bailey's side mounted wave after wave of attacks and only keeper Gary Jones prevented further goals.

RESULT: OLDHAM TOWN...1 NELSON...3