FC Nelson makes three key changes for crunch match

FC Nelson has called up high powered reinforcements for the second leg of its Southern Premier League qualifier match in Nelson this weekend.

The side’s most gifted player, attacking midfielder Labu Pan, returns after work commitments kept him from the first leg in Kaiapoi last Saturday.

He will replace Kris Main in the starting line-up.

The vastly experienced centre half Billy Scott is also back at the expense of veteran Mark Johnston who’s been battling an ankle injury.

Japanese player Toshi also comes in win the right wing for Fletcher King.

Coach Paul Brydon rates it a stronger line up that the side that upset Waimak United 3-2.

“But we have lost the element of surprise this week,” Paul fears.

The match will kick off at Guppy Park at 2pm on Saturday and unlike the Tuesday and Thursday trainings this week, the weather is supposed to be fine.

“There’s nothing much else on. It’s free admission. It would be great to get a thousand people to come along and support us,” Paul urges.

If FC Nelson wins the tie, it will be back to Christchurch next weekend to face Wanaka in a one off game to decide who wins promotion to the Southern League next year.

Paul is salivating at the prospect of Nelson having two sides in that competition, especially after knocking Nelson Suburbs out of the Chatham Cup earlier this year.