Atherton recovered from the embarrassment of losing to their Collieries rivals in the North West Counties League Division One with a convincing win in East Lancashire.
They returned to the fine form which has now seen them lose just one game in eight matches.
Rovers were put on their way with thunderous 35 yard shot from Rob Hope with the game only 16 minutes old.
Eddie Stanford equalised on 25 minutes and it was all square at half-time. Rick Arnold restored Atherton's advantage after chasing a long clearance and cleverly chipping the Nelson keeper 12 minutes after the re-start.
Oliver Babbington provided the two-goal cushion on 67 minutes with a header from Hope's cross.
Rovers have now got the weekend off, but they are facing a mini injury crisis with Babbington and defender Craig Sturling carried off - a situation they could do without as their next match is on Wednesday at FC United, the league's run-away leaders.
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