NATHAN Cotterell’s wonder goal was a highlight as Winsford United ended a seven-match sequence without a league win on Monday.
The front man slalomed past three defenders before staying calm enough to slide a cute finish past Nelson goalkeeper Luke Raybould.
It doubled Blues’ lead, and increased his goal tally for the campaign to 22.
Lee Duckworth’s men, due to host West Didsbury & Chorlton last night, Wednesday, need another point from their remaining games to beat last season’s total.
They had hit the front on 18 minutes when Kyle Riley, sent clear by Scott Taylor’s pass, guided his shot past the visitors’ custodian.
Winsford’s captain had shot feebly when he had a glimpse of goal earlier, then he teed up Ryan Steels who blazed high.
At the other end, Billy Grogan failed to hit the target after finding space in Blues’ penalty area.
Caldon Henson’s header was blocked on the line by a defender after he met Taylor’s cross, but Blues breathed a sigh of relief when Chris Anderson’s header thudded against the crossbar.
Nelson’s goalkeeper remained busy after the interval, pushing Cotterell’s attempt from distance around an upright.
He kept his side in the contest again when he denied Steele, while Henson timed a tackle perfectly to thwart Ben Ashton in shooting stride.
Winsford number one Michael Langley punched clear Ben Hoskin’s free kick before Cotterell settled the outcome on 73 minutes with a trademark moment of magic.
The home team’s margin of victory would have been wider had Raybould not made saves from Riley, Andy Keogh and substitute Jack Bannister late on.
Winsford | Langley (GK), Henson, Duckworth, Howell (Middleton 82), Foster, Jenyons, Taylor (Clarke 82), Steele (Bannister 69), Riley, Keogh, Cotterell Sub not used Osborne (GK) Goals Riley 18, Cotterell 73
Nelson | Raybould (GK), Lloyd, Dewhurst, Anderson, Lancaster, Jenkinson, Grogan, Burrows (Wolfenden 46), Hoskin, Hunter (Woodward 52), Ashton Subs not used Duffy, Harding
Referee Patrick Mahon
Attendance 116
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