Nelson climbed back up to second in the NWC First Division after a 3-1 win at 1874 Northwich at Winsford’s Barton Stadium on Saturday.
Manager Mark Fell gave debuts to new signings Richie Allen and Peter Wright, and the Admirals started the batter, as Liam Boswells’ header flew just wide.
And on 6 minutes Nelson were ahead, as a Boswell corner found Josh Barrick, unmarked at the back post to tap in.
Northwich started to come back into the game, and they levelled on 26 minutes as Lee Hendley out paced Tom Murphy and squared for Rick Bailey to slam past Ben Woodhead from 16 yards.
Moments later Boswell hit post and bar, but Nelson ended the half under pressure, though they stood firm.
The second period saw the game ebb and flow, and just after the hour, good work from substitute Nat Taylor and Richie Allen saw a ball laid on a plate for Wright, who guided a wonderful header home.
Taylor hit the post on 74 minutes, before the Blues sealed the three points in the closing moments when Boswell cut in from the left and hit a low drive into the bottom corner.
Tomorrow Fell’s men play host to Cheadle Town (kick-off 3 p.m.), before, on Wednesday, the Admirals travel to face Formby (kick-off 7-45 p.m.).