Hill keeps Admirals on the up with decisive strike

Nelson FC are two points off the top of the North West Counties League after Saturday's 1-0 home win over Trafford, writes HARRY MANNING.

The Admirals' ninth win out of 10 in all competitions avenged their September defeat away to the fifth-placed Manchester club

The only change to the side which beat Parkgate in the FA Vase a week earlier was the return of captain Billy Priestley in place of Alex Green.

Trafford made the brighter start but Nelson had the first chance, when Darren Holden's cross was headed over by Sefton Gonzales.

The striker had another sight of goal from Luke Hepple's pass but shot straight at keeper Connor Beard.

And it wasn't to be third time lucky for Gonzales as Beard saved at his feet moments later.

However, Gonzales played a major part in the decisive goal when he won a penalty on 33 minutes.

Andy Hill saw his spot-kick saved by Beard but reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

Trafford had Luke Sephton sinbinned for raising his arms to Priestley and ended the half a goal down.

Gonzales charged down a Beard clearance after the restart but the keeper recovered well, then made more fine saves to deny Ross Dent and tip Hepple's thunderous shot over the bar.

Nelson keeper Chris Thompson was kept busy too, preventing an equaliser with two top saves.

A second yellow card saw Sephton sent off but Trafford made Nelson fight to the final whistle for three hard-earned points.

This 10th league victory left the Admirals second in the premier division, though they dropped to third when Burscough went top with Tuesday’s 7-0 victory over AFC Liverpool.

Nelson have a game in hand on the leaders and second-placed Droylsden ahead of two games over the coming week. They host Prestwich Heys on Saturday and visit South Liverpool next Wednesday.