Proud newcomers kick off on new surface

Norton United say they were "proud" to play their first game as an EVO-STIK League club against Crewe Alexander.

The North West Counties Football League champions, pictured, are set to kick off in First Division South next month and took on the League One club last Friday.

After a 4-0 reverse to the Alex, the Staffordshire club hosted Port Vale on Tuesday, losing 1-0 in front of a 1,300 plus crowd at their Norton Cricket Club & Miners Welfare Institute ground as they continued with preparations to play at the highest level in their history under manager Scott Dundas.

"We were proud to open our season with games against such illustrious opposition," said a spokesman.

Earlier this month the club completed the installation of their new artificial pitch, declaring the latest FIFA approved surface fit for action after a refurbishment made possible thanks to a grant from Sport England's Inspired Facilities Fund.

It took 20 tonnes of silica sand and 10 tonnes of rubber and Norton United chairman Steve Beaumont was delighted to see their new facility open with the vital income stream it provides.

He said: "All in all a massive boost to all our club members, and the much needed revenue stream that the main club needs. We hope everyone enjoys keeping fit on the club's new facility.

"It will be great when we finally see the surface being played on again by all of our club teams, and teams within our local community, you just don't realise how vital the pitch is to the main club until you haven't got use of it."

Apart from the pitch, the club's makeover ahead of hosting Stocksbridge Park Steels on the opening day of the new season included painting the ground and repairing fencing for the start of their pre-season campaign.

Thanking all involved, Beaumont added: "It takes a lot of hard work and help to keep improving the main club's facilities. Special thanks go to Joan Walley our local MP for Stoke North, our local Councillor Matt Wilcox, Sport England and Durasport, the supplier and installer, who have done a fabulous job."