As kick off aproached at FC's latest venue(Vale Park), the ground was covered in snow. From nowhere in the middle of April United were set to take on Norton in a winter wonderland.
FC looking for some payback after Norton inflicted the clubs first ever defeat, a 2-1 defat at Gigg Lane at the start of the season.
With the conditions very slippy with the snow underfoot, it took a while for both sides to get into their strides. Patterson and Torpey looking livley as they tried to make inroads into the Norton defence. The first effort for FC came from a Torpey freekick which he uncharacteristicly fired into the wall. The Norton keeper's first real test came on 25 minutes as a cross by Torpey in from the left was not claimed as it shouldve been easily. The ball spilled from his grasp and Josh Howard was on hand to knock home his 5th of the season and United's 100th league goal. Norton came back with a header that hit the side netting prompting Norton fans to think they had scored, but it wasn't to be and it remained 1-0 to FC at halftime.
The second half saw captain Dave Chadwick make way for Will Ahern which made for a change of shape at the back.15 minutes into the second half and Norton won a penalty, after a ball cruely bounced up at Cullens arm in the area. The first attempt at a penalty was saved well by Melville to his right, but was ajudged to of come off his line. The retake was possibly the worst penalty ever, it didn't even hit the target and hit a gate about 6 yards to the right of the post! FC almost capitalised on Norton's failur to convert at the over end when Patterson broke clear in the area only to go for goal straight at the keeper when there were other options inthe box. 25 minutes in and this time it was Melville's turn to fumble, as he failed to keep hold of a header which left Mark Smith the chance to bundle home and get Norton's equaliser.
The turning point of the match came when Jox Mitten made his entrance in place of Patterson. His height and pressence created all sorts of problems for Norton's defence. And he shouldve put United 2-1 up after tapping in on the line, but it was to be ruled out for some unknown reason. Joz's impact did come though on 81 minutes when he laid the ball on to Torpey who put United 2-1 up from close range.
The third was kindly added by a Norton defender shortly after on 83 minutes, heading a Josh Howard corner past his own keeper from a sharp angle.
3-1 the final score and, should results go right for FC a win at home to Chadderton on Wednesday will see FC be promoted and possibly even win the title.
2 Rob Nugent
3 Tony Cullen
4 Steven Spencer
5 David Chadwick(c)
6 David Brown
7 Josh Howard
8 Simon Carden
9 Dave Swarbrick
10 Steve Torpey
11 Rory Patterson
Subs Used
12 Adie Orr
13 Joz Mitten
14 William Ahern
Attendance 1284
Scorers
Howard 25, Torpey 81, O.G 83,