The side ended the season in 16th place in the division, finishing behind Barrow on goal average.

[1] The campaign started on 27 August 1921 with a 1–2 defeat by Wigan Borough, which was attended by a then record crowd of 9,000 at Seedhill.

[2] Nelson's first win in the Football League came on 3 September 1921, when they beat Wigan Borough 4–1 at Springfield Park.

By the end of the campaign, the side had a league record of 13 wins, seven draws and 18 defeats, giving them a total of 33 points.

In the middle of the season Nelson slipped down the league table, eventually finishing in 16th position.