NELSON missed out on promotion to the NWCL Division One in agonising fashion last night when Atherton LR won a rematch which pipped them to the second promotion spot.

Atherton had lost their original match -- their final game of the season -- against Castleton Gabriels on Saturday which meant Nelson would finish in third place in Division Two -- and go up with champions Warrington Town as second placed Tetley Walker have resigned from the league.

Nelson were celebrating on their end of season trip at Whitley Bay on Saturday thinking it was all over.

But Atherton appealed that Castleton had fielded an ineligible player and a rematch was ordered by the NWCL Emergency Committee for last night.

And Nelson saw promotion snatched from their grasp when Atherton ran out 4-2 victors to finish the season in that crucial third spot -- one point ahead of the Blues.

"It was agony watching the game," said Blues boss John Bailey. "Castleton went 1-0 up but then they had a couple sent off and that was it."

Castleton took the lead before Atherton scored from the spot just before half-time as the home side were reduced to ten men.

Atherton raced into a 3-1 lead and Gabriels had a second player dismissed before they shocked Atherton, making it 3-2 and looking good value for a point which would have been enough for Nelson.

But Atherton hit back to finish them off with a late goal to end Nelson's hopes.

"It's a massive massive blow thinking we were up and then suddenly this happens," said a shell-shocked Bailey.

"But we will all take a few weeks off and then come back more determined next season."

Nelson could still make a protest as any decision taken by the Emergency Committee has to be ratified by the full NWCL Committee which will meet again on June 13. Agony as Nelson miss out NELSON missed out on promotion to the NWCL Division One in agonising fashion last night when Atherton LR won a rematch which pipped them to the second promotion spot.

Atherton had lost their original match -- their final game of the season -- against Castleton Gabriels on Saturday which meant Nelson would finish in third place in Division Two -- and go up with champions Warrington Town as second placed Tetley Walker have resigned from the league.

Nelson were celebrating on their end of season trip at Whitley Bay on Saturday thinking it was all over.

But Atherton appealed that Castleton had fielded an ineligible player and a rematch was ordered by the NWCL Emergency Committee for last night.

And Nelson saw promotion snatched from their grasp when Atherton ran out 4-2 victors to finish the season in that crucial third spot -- one point ahead of the Blues.

"It was agony watching the game," said Blues boss John Bailey.

"Castleton went 1-0 up but then they had a couple sent off and that was it."

Castleton took the lead before Atherton scored from the spot just before half-time as the home side were reduced to ten men.

Atherton raced into a 3-1 lead and Gabriels had a second player dismissed before they shocked Atherton, making it 3-2 and looking good value for a point which would have been enough for Nelson.

But Atherton hit back to finish them off with a late goal to end Nelson's hopes.

"It's a massive, massive blow thinking we were up and then suddenly this happens," said a shell-shocked Bailey.

"But we will all take a few weeks off and then come back more determined next season."

Nelson will not be appealing against the decision to allow a rematch.

"After a few phone calls we have decided to we have no grounds of appeal," said Nelson Football Secretary Jean Moore. "Rule 37 states that if one team fields an unregistered player, the other team has the right to appeal and the management committee can use their discretion and allow a rematch.

"So we accept the decision, we'll dust ourselves down and hopefully attain promotion next season."