Boss Phil Brown was encouraged by the early signs from his new-look squad – with almost a month to go before the opening competitive fixture against 1874 Northwich in the FA Cup.

New signing Jordan Darr got off to the perfect start with a superb strike into the top corner and Conor Gaul – another summer recruit – then doubled the lead from the penalty spot.

Darr grabbed his second to make it 3-0 before Josh Gregory rounded off a successful afternoon with the fourth goal.

On a positive afternoon, youth-teamer Kit Lloyd also got his first taste of senior action after the 18-year-old came off the bench late on.

And that meant a match-up with brothers Jake and Charlie, who were in the Nelson ranks.

The Blues continue their pre-season programme when they entertain Blackburn Rovers’ U23s at Shawbridge next Thursday night.

Pre-season fixtures:

Thursday 18 July: Blackburn Rovers U23s (H) 7.45pm

Saturday 20 July: Charnock Richard (A)

Saturday 27 July: AFC Blackpool (A) 3pm

Tuesday 30 July: Barnoldswick Town (A) 7.45pm

Saturday 3 August: Bamber Bridge (H) 3pm