MATCH REPORTS FOR 2000 / 2001 SEASON

Match Reports for the Weekend 25/11/2000

3rd X1 v Billingham
The 3rd X1 followed up last weeks draw with Furness with a hard fought 1-0 win over local rivals Billingham. In a game played in awful conditions their captain Tim Dunn could not have asked more of a team who all played their part in the first win of the season. Norton created most of the early pressure and from a short corner mid way through the first half Mike Wrights shot was saved and the rebound picked up by Tim Dunn to fire home. The second half saw Billingham increase the pressure and it took a great team defensive effort including some fine goalkeeping from Andrew Elkins to secure the win. Well done everyone.

Norton Veterans v Worcester
Norton - in a game played in a friendly but competitive spirit Norton were second best to a fitter and better organised Worcester side ( who were wearing red and black but that is not an excuse ). Norton were under pressure from the start with Mike Perry at centre forward proving a handful for the home sides defence. He scored their first goal after 8 minutes from a short corner move. Further goals after 12 and 27 minutes saw Worcester 3-0 up at half time. Norton organised by the non-stop John Crewe put more pressure on Worcester in the second half and eventually picked up a penalty which Tim Dunn put away. Worcester hit back immediately from a quick break out of defence and despite a number of short corners Norton were only able to add one further goal from Harvey Madden. Worcester finished the game as they started stretching Norton at a short corner before scoring when Gerry Kort put away the rebound after Malcolm Teasdale had saved yet again. The day ended with both sides enjoying a meal and Worcester were still drinking whilst the Norton players were tucked up in their beds. We wish Andy and his team well in the next round ( of drinks! ) Finally thank you to the umpires management team who stepped in at short notice to finish off the pies - well done Pete.

Match Reports for the Weekend 14/10/2000

3rd X1 v Durham City 2nds
Norton 3rds went down 5-0 to a strong well organised Durham City 2nd team. Norton could not be faulted for their effort which continued to the final whistle. Norton held Durham for the first 20 minutes and had the best of the play but were unlucky to go behind to an own goal when Will Pickersgill attempted to clear a hard cross and put the ball into his own net. Durham scored again soon after from a similar move and went 3-0 up before the half time whistle when Durham again exposed Nortons right hand defence. Norton continued to defend well but could not hold out and conceded another two goals from short corners before the finish. Andrew Elkins made some vital saves and Sam Spooner and Will Pickersgill played well in defence whilst Adam Warnes worked hard in the centre of midfield.