Nelson 1 Ramsbottom United 2

1:17pm Monday 25th February 2008

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New Nelson boss Nik Jackson-Cooney saw his side receive scant reward for their efforts in their derby clash against Ramsbottom.

On the half hour, Rammy came close to scoring when Matt Eckersley's corner found Anthony Johnson in the area, and the striker's header smacked down off the underside of the crossbar.

Just 10 minutes later, it was Nelson's turn to find the woodwork.

Martin Payne's cross was met on the volley from Alex Mugan, but his effort bounced down onto the line from the crossbar and the danger was cleared.

On 64 minutes, substitute Mark Banyard fired in a superb cross from the right for Nelson, and Smith's firm near post header had to be turned wide by a great save from John Ogden.

But four minutes later, the same duo combined in similar fashion to give Nelson the lead. Banyard's brilliantly flighted ball from the right into the area was met by the head of the diving Smith, who planted it back beyond the keeper into the bottom corner.

However, within two minutes, Ramsbottom claimed an equaliser.

A free-kick from the half- way line was knocked on by Gino Pulvino in the area, and Dean Thurston was on hand to hook home from five yards out.

United grabbed the winning goal just five minutes later.

Lee McNally cut inside from the by-line to find Johnson at the near post, and the attacker gleefully poked home from four yards out.