NELSON1, FC UNITED 3: Accrington Stanley's Interlink Express Stadium hosted FC for the second time this season, as Nelson switched their home NWCFL Division Two fixture to the historic venue.

Unfortunately, the weather was equally as cold as the previous visit, yet despite this the visitors managed to take a travelling support of more than 2,000, yet again.

They didn't have to wait long for the opening goal, as Mitten swept home a cross from the right only two minutes after the kick off.

It appeared the home defence were dazzled by Adie Orr's shocking bright red hairstyle, as the big forward was given acres of room for his cool finish.

The opener proved to be the catalyst for a period of sustained United pressure.

Chris Simms missed a great opportunity for his first FC goal when played through by Torpey, before Mitten fired narrowly over, all within the first ten minutes.

It wasn't until the 25-minute mark that the lead was extended, and it was thanks to a moment of pure inspiration from Torpey.

A move down the right involving Howard and Orr led to a dangerous cross being aimed towards Mitten and Simm.

The defenders managed to half clear, but the ball dropped to Torpey, lurking on the edge of the penalty area.

The Wiganer struck the ball on the volley, first-time, and the resulting strike flew straight in to the top corner.

If that goal wasn't special enough, Torpey then proceeded to score an equally impressive goal, firing a free kick into the same top corner as earlier on the stroke of half time, from the corner of the penalty area.

Three up at the break, FC could be forgiven for relaxing in the second half.

Sadly, it was to be the case, and a lacklustre second period saw few chances.

Nelson pulled a goal back from a penalty, Barrie George adjudged to have fouled a forward when attempting to collect a cross at the second attempt. The United stopper had absolutely no chance as Barrett smashed the spot kick into the bottom corner with aplomb.

Nonetheless, a fight-back never appeared likely - indeed United seemed the more likely to score.

The best chance of the remaining half hour again fell to Simm, whose shot rebounded off the upright and trickled agonisingly wide off the goalkeeper's nose!

Another three points won, and the 14 point lead at the top of the table was maintained for FC.

With only fifteen games to go, promotion creeps ever closer in the club's first season.