The U14 Nelson Selects took one step closer to Sunday's goal medal game with a huge win over rival Penticton Pinnacles July 3.

Nelson scored twice in the second half to register a 2-nil win over the Pinnacles in B.C. Provincial B Cup action at Lakeside Field.

The game was actually the fourth meeting between the two sides this season.

All three previous meetings ended in ties after regulation time. One of those games stayed a tie because it was a round-robbin game, however, Penticton won the other two in shootouts as one was the gold medal final in the Kamloops tournament and one was the bronze medal final in the Icebreaker tournament.

"That is the best I have seen these boys play all season," said an elated head coach Mike Patton, who added the boys knew how important this game was.

Both Nelson and Penticton won their first games yesterday, Nelson with a 6-nil win over Terrace, and Penticton with a 1-nil win over Prince George.

That likely meant this game would decide who goes through the gold medal game on Sunday afternoon, unless Prince George is able to upset Nelson in action tomorrow.

"The boys knew they could do it," said Patton about the game against

Penticton. "They didn't want to play for a tie, they went out and played for the win."

The first half reflected how evenly matched the two teams are. Nelson had two great chances, but hit the crossbar on both. Penticton also had a great chance when a threatening strike almost curled into the Nelson net. Keeper Andrew Woodward obviously thought the ball was going wide because he didn't react until it went off his post and back across the six-yard line.

Nelson took control of the match in the second half. At close to 10 minutes in Simon Shepphard was taken down inside the penalty area after he beat the defender and was about go in on a breakaway. Mitch Podadynetz calmly stepped up and buried the penalty shot.

Nelson continued to press and approximately midway through the half Luis Loeschnik broke in and slotted home the insurance marker.

The key now for Patton is keeping the boys focused on tomorrow's game

against PG.

"The boys knew how important today's game was and they really responded. I just hope they don't lose their focus for tomorrow's game," he said. "We are going to have make sure that they keep that same intensity. They are smart kids. I don't think losing focus should be a problem."

Nelson takes on the pesky Prince George team at 4 p.m. Saturday at Lakeside Field. The game should be a good one, if Prince George plays like they did against Penticton.