Skipper Mike Norton strikes to keep Rebels’ dreams alive

 Source: MEN

 FC United kept their Wembley dreams alive with a 1-1 draw at Durham City securing them an FA Trophy second qualifying-round replay at Gigg Lane on Wednesday.

The Rebels were made to work hard by their lesser-ranked opponents, who quickly replied after skipper Mike Norton had turned in Carlos Roca’s free-kick in the 44th minute.

Durham drew level within two minutes of the re-start when a mishit cross by dangerman David Dowson somehow found its way past United keeper Scott Spencer.

Both teams then contrived to waste a string of chances, Astley Mulholland missing FC’s best with a shot which sailed over.

Curzon Ashton progressed at the first attempt but needed a late Chris McDonagh goal to knock out Belper after the visitors had threatened to snatch a replay by cancelling out Sam Walker’s 36th minute opener.

Northwich, too, needed no second invitation to ease past Buxton, crushing their Evo-Stik Premier rivals 3-0.

Radcliffe and Witton Albion face replays, but Salford and Woodley both crashed out.

Ashton United were held 1-1 by visiting FA Cup heroes Nantwich in Evo-Stik Premier, while Garry Flitcroft’s Chorley missed a chance to go top, losing 1-0 at Rushall Olympic.

Trafford climbed to sixth in Evo-Stik North, Michael Oates hitting a hat-trick in their 4-1 romp at Clitheroe.

Ramsbottom had a pair of two-goal stars in Andrew Dawson and Lee Gaskell as they thrashed Squires Gate 4-0 to march to the top of the North West Counties League.