Source: MEN

 FC United stars Mike Norton and Nicky Platt are to swap their boots for trainers to help the Evo-Stik Premier promotion hopefuls fulfil their dream of building their own ground in Moston.

The Rebels are rapidly closing in on the £1.6m they are aiming to raise through a community share scheme towards the cost of the new stadium.

Ace marksman Norton and midfielder Platt have agreed to take part in the fundraising quest by joining more than 20 FC fans in this year’s Great Manchester 10k run on Sunday May 20.

It will be the seventh time United supporters have participated in the event. Last year, they raised more than £6,000. Norton said: “I probably cover more miles on the pitch than any of my team-mates because my first touch is so poor so, hopefully, I’ll get round the course from the city-centre to Old Trafford and back to Deansgate without any mishaps.

Fittest

“Platty is probably the fittest man at the club, so there’s no point me trying to keep up with him if he takes the run seriously.

“But it will be great to have our own stadium and, if Platty and I have to make fools of ourselves to help ensure that we get one, we’re more than happy to do it.”

FC United’s clash with Burscough at Gigg Lane on Saturday was among dozens of local non-League fixtures frozen off at the weekend.

Also wiped out were the Blue Square Bet North games involving Altrincham, Droylsden, Hyde and Stalybridge Celtic.

So, too, was Ashton United’s Evo-Stik Premier tussle with Marine at Hurst Cross plus all matches featuring local Evo-Stik North and North West Counties League sides.

FC United are due to visit Frickley Athletic in the Doodson Sport Cup quarter-finals tomorrow (7.45pm), while homeless Northwich Victoria will make a third attempt to stage their FA Trophy third-round tie with Hampton and Richmond Borough at Nantwich Town’s Weaver Stadium.

February 13, 2012