Striker on the mend after fracture scare

Mike Norton will not face a long lay-off after fears the FC United of Manchester striker had fractured his shin during Tuesday night's 0-0 draw with Blyth Spartans in the EVO-STIK Northern Premier League's top flight.

Norton, pictured, was stretchered off and taken to Tameside Hospital after colliding with Spartans keeper Peter Jeffries six minutes before half-time as he chased forward to get onto a long ball. The keeper was cleared of any blame for the clash by the referee.

FCUM's officials had feared a fracture but doctors later allowed the 33-year-old forward to return home with severe bruising and studs marks where he'd been caught. Norton has scored 92 goals in 215 appearances since joining the Rebels in 2010.

* FCUM announced on Tuesday that winger Andy Welsh is available for immediate loan or transfer. The 30-year-old former Sunderland star was with Scunthorpe United before signing for the Premier Division club in September.

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