NELSON crashed to Atherton Collieries as they learned another harsh lesson about the realities of life in the North West Counties, Division 1.
Three goals in a four-minute spell just before half-time took the wind out of Nelson's sails.
Barry Massay began the rout after 38 minutes with a close-range header.
And two minutes later, Massay doubled his tally and Atherton's lead when he forced the ball home past two defenders after Blues keeper Bobby Harris could only parry a shot from Craig Hobson.
Within a minute, Colls made it 3-0 when Anthony Pilkington made a good run to sidefoot home a left-wing cross from 10 yards.
Danny Stubberfield scored Atherton's fourth goal on 76 minutes before Neil Chapman scored a consolation for Nelson.
But Mark Prince made it five a minute from time.
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