Norton Under-13 B drew 2-2 in a tough but entertaining match with a physical Hartlepool St Francis side.
St Francis scored within two minutes catching Norton cold, but the home team hit back after good work from Michael Bell & Cooky on the left, Danny McAvoy turning up at the back post to slot home. St Francis took the lead again midway through the half, however Norton's Jon Stephenson wasn't settling for second and put in a thundering tackle to concede a throw on the left. Norton won the ball from this and a solo run and right foot finish from Jamma brought them level. In the second half Stephenson was inspirational and alongside Liam Hardman he ran the midfield. Norton were now creating all the chances but St Francis' keeper denied Cooky & Jamma time after time, although each made a huge contribution to the team's performance, defending from the front. On one occasion Cooky rounded the 'keeper only to be denied by the tight angle, firing into the side netting. Belly & Macca worked hard defensively as the game progressed, and the back four were again superb in front of keeper Josh Edon, Azza and Simmo pushing forward giving the side width, with centre back Ivo now developing a great central partnership with captain Steve Atkinson.
East Durham opened the scoring against the run of play and despite lots of possession, Norton Under-16s failed to equalise before half-time. After the break Norton levelled with a goal from Shaun Taylor from the edge of the box and took a deserved lead with a fine close range finish from Andy Giddings. Norton could not kill the game off however and 15 mins from the end East Durham equalised. The game went to extra time, Norton scoring the decisive golden goal after just 80 seconds of extra time, after a fine passing move and a good finish from Shaun Simpson. A good all round display by Norton with Sam Hughff outstanding at the back, with the final score 3-2 to Norton.
The game between Norton Under-11 and Redcar was a closer game than the scoreline suggests with Redcar working very hard and being well organised but Norton took a deserved lead with a great goal from Ben Turner from just outside the box after a neat back-heel from Adam Nicholson. Redcar hit the bar with a penalty before half-time. Norton made it 2-0 shortly after the break with another excellent solo goal from Ben Turner. Paul Vaulks scored with his first touch to make it 3-0, with Jordan Baker breaking through the defence to make it 4-0 to Norton.
It turned out to be a very entertaining game between Norton Under-13 A and Stockton with Norton starting the stronger of the sides, managing to keep the majority of the play in the Stockton half. Norton thought themselves a little unlucky to have a goal disallowed for pushing in the box. Norton still had the lion's share of the ball but were caught on the break and paid the price. Norton came out the second half still the stronger with much of the play in the Stockton half, again Stockton nearly caught Norton on the break but Cotts made a fantastic save. The relentless pressure final paid of with a fantastic strike from O'Sullivan breaking the sides level. Norton however could not convert their dominance the Stockton goal peppered with shots and their defence working overtime in their own box. All in all a competitive game played in the correct spirit. Final score 1-1.
Norton Under-15s played Kiora in a hard fought game. Norton started off nervous for the first 10 minutes but soon settled down with some top quality saves from man of the match Chris Atkinson. Norton did concede 2 first half goals to Kiora, but debut boy Danny Wray pulled one back for Norton with a well taken goal. Norton did concede 2 more goal in the second half making it 2-4 to Kiora. The score did not do Norton justice as this was a hard fought game and Norton deserved something from the game.
A dominant performance from Norton Under-14s saw off local rivals Yarm Town. Norton controlled the game from the start, passing the ball around with some confidence. They squandered numerous opportunities to score early on in the game, which gave the home side a chance to get into the match. Once again the Norton back four stood firm .The break through came half way through the first half, a speculative run by Michael Degnan beat the Yarm offside, he rounded the keeper to put Norton into a deserved 1-0 lead. This goal calmed the Norton nerves, they started to push forward more which lead to the second goal. A free kick 15 Yards outside the box, the home team made a four man wall, up stepped Norton captain Dale Mulligan to accurately strike the ball into the top right hand corner 2-0.Half time 2-0 to Norton. The second half started with the home team fired up looking to get back into the game but to no avail as in the first half the Norton back four stood firm. Just as the game seemed to be drifting along substitute Anton Fisher livened up the game with his pace and determination he ran at the home side twisting and turning to fire home a lovely shot, 3-0 Norton. From the kick off Norton regained the possession straight away a pin point pass from new signing Karl Garbutt sent Anton Fisher through to blast in his second in as many minutes, 4-0 Norton. At this time Norton were in complete control of the game. The final goal came after a brilliant piece of passing football down the left side which resulted in a debut goal for Karl Garbutt 5-0 Norton. A massive well done to the whole team who contributed to this excellent win.
The Under-10 B were comfortable 8-0 winners away to Bishop Auckland St Marys. Norton dominated the game from the first whistle with Tom Blakemore and Josh Peadon having penetrating runs down the wings, with Tom Blakemore crossing for Lewis Wing to open the scoring, Liam Woodhouse converted Wing's corner with a stunning volley and Daniel Chesser put David Roth through for number 3. Wing then set up Roth for his second. Another Wing corner resulted in Woodhouse scoring a carbon copy of his first goal. Subs Michael Bond and Aidan Cattermole came on and scored with well taken goals. Jack Griffiths and Josh Fleming held firm at the back and Matthew Dixon set Wing up for his second and deservedly got man of the match.
Marton scored three goals in quick succession before Norton Under-8s came to life. Then Norton had Marton under intense pressure for the rest of the game and scored through the ever dangerous Tom Hill (2) and brilliant Matty Henry to take the game into extra time. Norton tired and Marton scored two goals on the counter attack to finish the game off, but not before Norton had hit the post once and bar twice. Great performances from J Taylor and L Hopson.
To any spectator, the game between Norton Under-10 A and Stockton West End was an exciting and nervous game to watch, with great football from both teams. Stockton took an early lead with a well worked goal, but Norton came back with a good goal from Nathan Mohun after some strong pressure from Norton. Stockton went ahead again in the second half with a great long range shot which went into Norton's top corner. The true grit and strong determination of Norton came through towards the end with a good goal from Max Craggs who hit a strong low shot into Stockton's bottom corner. Nathan Mohun finished a great performance from Norton with a strong run up the left wing and buried the ball past the Stockton keeper to score the winning goal. This game showed what a strong determined team the Norton lads are.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article