NELSON did just enough to see off the challenge of Eccleshall and go through to the second round of the NWC League Cup at Victoria Park in an evenly balanced game.

The Blues took the lead on 18 minutes when Robbie Smith stole in to head home Craig Bradshaw's curling free kick in a crowded Eccleshall penalty area.

But the lead was short-lived as Eccleshall drew level four minutes later when Russell De Matteo headed in the equaliser from close range.

Nelson again went in front two minutes before half time when the visitors' keeper Louie Whiting misjudged Neil Chapman's high cross and Michael Holt picked up the loose ball to fire home from close range.

Eleven minutes after the interval Eccleshall again drew level when a De Matteo shot struck Craig Bradshaw on the arm and the referee awarded a penalty, which De Matteo converted.

The winner came after 78 minutes when Bradshaw's through ball was headed on by Jason Jones and Robbie Smith drove a hard, low shot past the keeper into the bottom corner to give Nelson a home tie against Formby in the next round.