NELSON let a half-time lead slip as NWC First Division leaders Darwen took maximum points at Victoria Park.
Blues manager Mark Fell gave a debut to Australian signing Nicky Orr while a reshuffled defence saw Tom Anderson and Iain Robinson replace Danny Johnson and Matt Fearon.
Both sides made a tentative start to the fixture at Lomeshaye Way’s Little Wembley but in the 17th minute a deep cross from the right found Liam Hutchinson in space and his first time shot beat Daniel Fradd at the far post to give the hosts the lead.
This reverse spurred the visitors on and Stephen Lee almost levelled proceedings after breaking free but his firmly struck shot was saved by the legs of Jamie Scott. Both sides created several half chances with Darwen forcing a string of corners while at the other end Hutchinson was unable to take full advantage of Fradd’s poor clearance.
The away side continued to press for the equaliser and from a corner defender Tom Murphy came to the rescue by clearing off the line. And as the half came to a close Orr was chopped down on the edge of the box but skipper Chris Turner wasted the free-kick.
Fell introduced Matt Fearon at the expense of Nat Taylor for the second half but within two minutes of the restart Darwen were level. A deep cross found Bobby Langford lurking and he made no mistake, smashing his effort home via the underside of the crossbar.
Play became scrappy as both sides struggled to impose themselves on the game but Nelson could’ve restored their lead when Ashley Higgins cleverly threaded Orr through on goal but the debutant was denied by a last ditch challenge as he looked to pull the trigger.
Langford almost grabbed his and Darwen’s second moments later when his speculative drive struck the inside of the post and cannoned to safety with Scott stranded. However, the home side didn’t heed that warning and in Darwen’s next attack Anthony Harkness drove in to the penalty area before squaring the ball to Kiel Lonsdale who fired the visitors in front.
Fell looked to his bench for a solution and brought on Patrick O’Brien for Hutchinson to bring a fresh approach to Nelson’s attack. But it was still the away side who seemed the more dangerous and only a brave save from Scott prevented Darwen from adding another.
A last throw of the dice saw Brandon Barski replace Adam Stockdale and the change almost worked when Orr’s lob from distance beat the keeper but floated over the bar.
Nelson, who proved capable of competing with the league’s elite, now travel to face Atherton LR tomorrow, kick-off 3 p.m.