Half a century for goal machine Norton

When Michael Norton opened the scoring for FC United away to Chasetown a couple of weeks back, he did more than put the Reds on their way to an impressive away victory. The goal was in fact Norton’s 50th goal for the club, a fact made all the more impressive given the striker had reached the milestone in just 87 games.

But for Norton there could have been one thing that made the goal all the more special, sharing the moment with the United faithful at the other end of the ground: “Coming into the game I was aware that I was on 49 for the club,??? Norton explains.

“So when I got the goal it was a great feeling but I wish it would have been at the other end of the ground where our fans were, it would have meant a lot to be able to celebrate it with the fans.???

He didn’t have long to wait to celebrate with the United fans as he headed home the second in the next home game against Hednesford Town, a goal that was Norton’s seventh goal in eight games.

Since signing for the Reds at the start of last season, Norton has quickly earned his place in FC United folklore most famously for his last minute winner against Rochdale in the FA Cup but more importantly the effort and never say die attitude on the pitch is something which has adorned him to the fans.

He becomes only the fourth player in the club’s brief history to pass the half century mark and will pass Stuart Rudd as number three on the all time scorers list if and when he reaches 55 goals.

Signed from neighbours Curzon Ashton, Norton came to the club with a proven track record as a goal scorer and knew he’d have to live up to this reputation sooner rather than later.

“I got my first goal for FC United in Germany in the St Pauli friendly but coming into that opening game of last season (away to Marine), I felt that I needed to get a goal to take any pressure away. So when I netted the penalty early on it took away any pressure and really allowed me to concentrate on my game.???

Norton scored two on his full debut for the club on Merseyside and went onto score 32 last season, a figure he’s fast approaching again this term. But what does he account for his good form for the club?

“I love playing in front of these passionate fans week-in, week-out, it’s been a great move for me and I’m really enjoying my football here. How can you not enjoy being part of something like this????

In many ways Norton typifies what this club is about, the fans have taken to him and can certainly relate to a player on the pitch who gives everything for the club, not only in scoring goals but his chasing down of balls and an attitude which sees him never giving up on anything, whilst spearheading the United attack, with an ability to convert even the slightest chance of a goal.

On 5th November 2010, Norton showed all of the above qualities in the greatest night of this club’s story so far. Chasing down a Jerome Wright ball that had seemingly been gathered up by the Rochdale ’keeper, Norton managed to poke the ball away and leave himself the easiest opportunity to score the biggest goal of his career, with just seconds left on the clock and the rest; as they say, is history.

He fondly remembers that goal and even admits to it being his favourites for the club, saying: “The Rochdale goal has to be my favourite for obvious reasons. The game had everything, we had that two goal lead and then they came back. Plus the controversy over the goal and the fact it was so late on that it left them no time to comeback again it’s definitely my favourite.???

But there’s one more goal that Norton remembers, for other reasons: “Putting one past Spenny (fc United goalkeeper James Spencer) when he was playing for Northwich last season (in United’s 1-0 win after Ben Deegan saved a penalty) has to be up there as a favourite too. It’s something I remind Spenny of all the time in training.???

Norton’s total for the club now stands at 51, leaving him 48 shy of current record holder Rory Patterson’s 99 for the club. When asked about his chances of surpassing that record Norton remains pessimistic about doing so, saying: “I can’t see that happening, not at my age anyway! But I will try to get close to it as long as I’m wanted by FC United.???

With his place firmly settled in the FC Unite history books, surely few would count against the ’not from Gorton’ striker finding his place in the record books too.


Norton’s 50 by the numbers

• 25 - It took Norton just 25 minutes to open his account for United. A penalty away to Marine, followed by another goal in the second half meant he scored two on his full debut for the club
• 32 - The number of goals he scored in the 2010/2011 season for the club. The most a player has scored for the club at the Northern Premier League level
• 93.52 – Time on the clock when Norton put the ball into the Rochdale goal to seal the 3-2 win in the FA Cup
• 2 – Number of times Norton scored against FC United whilst playing for his former club Curzon Ashton
• 28 – Number of teams Norton has scored against whilst playing for FC United
• 4 – Number of goals scored against Burscough, the most he’s scored against a single club
• 1 – Hat-tricks scored by Norton for the club. The one hat-trick came in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round last season against Norton & Stockton Ancients.
• 51 – Norton scored 51 goals for in one season for Curzon Ashton in the 2006/2007 season. Will it ever be surpassed?

Michael Norton was talking to FC United reporter Craig Phillips for the match day programme. For all the latest in-depth interviews with our red shirted heroes, pick up a programme at a home game.