Nelson 6, AFC Liverpool 1: The Admirals hand Liverpool six of the best
Nelson climbed to third in the table after a convincing 6-1 victory over AFC Liverpool at the Daisy Arena, with Luke Hepple scoring a hat-trick.
After their midweek defeat at Trafford, Nelson boss Arron Ripley got the response he wanted as they hammered bottom side AFC Liverpool at the Daisy Arena, writes David Wells.
The Admirals soon had the visitors under pressure with a succession of corners and an attempt on goal by Jack Wyers-Roebuck.
The Admirals went ahead after 14 minutes when Wyers-Roebuck fed the ball into the area for Sefton Gonzales to tap the ball home from the edge of the six-yard box.
Four minutes later, a cross from the left found Gonzales who headed past Campbell to double the lead for Nelson.
Luke Hepple had a chance to score for Nelson but missed his kick in front of goal before an effort from Darren Holden went just over the bar.
With half time approaching, Max Cane sliced a shot wide of the goal but made amends in the third minute of added time with a 25- yard shot to make it 3-0 to the Admirals.
For the second half, Nelson brought on Jamie Edwards for Jack Wyers-Roebuck and were soon on the attack with Max Cane unlucky not to score when his shot came back off the bar.
Liverpool enjoyed a period of possession as they looked to get back in the game but were unable to break down the Nelson defence.
The Admirals made a double substitution, bringing on Will Ludlow-Foster and Alex Green for Darren Holden and Richie Baker.
The changes paid off immediately when Ludlow-Foster crossed the ball to Luke Hepple who easily beat Campbell with a shot from 15 yards.
With Reds defender Francis Leather sin binned, Nelson took full advantage after 68 minutes when Campbell saved a shot from Max Cane only to see Luke Hepple hit home the rebound to make it 5-0 to the Admirals.
George Hutchinson, on for Sean Ince, had a chance to increase the lead for Nelson but shot straight at Campbell.
With just one minute of normal time remaining, Sefton Gonzales broke through the Reds’ defence and looked to be on for his hat-trick but he unselfishly passed the ball to Luke
Hepple who smashed the ball into the back of the net to complete a hat-trick for himself.
There was still time for the Reds to score a consolation goal from the penalty spot but at the final whistle the game ended with a comfortable 6-1 victory for Nelson who climbed to third in the table.