NELSON will console themselves with the financial reward from playing in front of a crowd of 2,011 at the Interlink Express Stadium in Accrington despite losing out to a confident FC United side.

The Blues got off to the worst possible start when Josh Howard's low diagonal ball into the goalmouth was turned into the net by Jonathan Mitten to give FC United the lead after only three minutes.

And just when Nelson looked to be settling into the game they conceded a second goal when Steve Torpey took advantage of a half clearance to curl a 15 yard shot in off the post to double his side's lead after 27 minutes.

On the stroke of half time the Blues were dealt another body-blow when Steve Torpey made the most of a harshly awarded free kick to drive an unstoppable shot across the goalmouth and into the top corner of the Nelson net.

At three goals down Nelson made a fight of it in the second half which was a more even contest. And, after 64 minutes they were awarded a penalty when Chris Ridehalgh was held by keeper Barrie George in the visitors' penalty area.

Paul Barrett drove in the spot kick to give the Blues fresh hope at 3-1.

And Paul Barrett and Jason Jones came close for Nelson with further chances, but Billy Carrington kept United at bay with some great saves.