NELSON were edged out of the NWC League Cup by First Division opponents, but only after a battling second half performance in which goalkeeper Billy Carrington ended the game unconscious after making a brave, late save.

Warrington made the better start and almost took the lead when Steve Latham drove a 25-yard free kick against the underside of the bar on nine minutes.

But the Blues were powerless to prevent Lee Webster from heading home Phil Mitchell's pin-point cross to give Warrington the lead on 20 minutes.

Carrington made good saves to deny a second before Nelson's Kevin Richardson and Andy Bennett had good chances.

But the Blues' defence was caught out on 42 minutes as Graeme Mitchell was released and his low shot found the bottom corner.

A double half-time substitution gave Nelson fresh impetus, with Richard Bradley and Paul Fildes creating some good attacking moves.

The visitors were reduced to trying long range shots as the Nelson built up the pressure and the Blues pulled a goal back on 70 minutes when Bradley's shot was blocked but went straight to Fildes to hook into the top corner.

Fildes tormented the Warrington defence with a series of dazzling runs and almost snatched an equaliser.

As the pressure mounted in the closing stages, Shaun Berry had to receive stitches following a clash of heads with Danny Whittaker.

The a breakaway by Warrington saw Graeme Mithcell burst clear and Carrington bravely threw himself at his feet to prevent an injury-time goal.

NELSON ...1

WARRINGTON TOWN ...2