Michael Norton celebrates

By Chris,
November 7 2010

FC United of Manchester will face Brighton or Woking in the second round of the F.A Cup following Friday evening's 3-2 win at Rochdale. In front of the ESPN television cameras, the Red Rebels claimed the most famous result of their history as Michael Norton's controversial late strike made it a magical night for the breakaway club.

Backed by thousands of travelling fans, FC United stunned pundits across the country with a shock 3-2 win at League One Rochdale.

The Northern Premier League club broke the deadlock courtesy of a Nicky Platt chip before Jake Cotterill made it two-nil with a fine strike.

Shell-shocked Rochdale got back into the game on 53 minutes, and when Craig Dawson headed home a corner with twelve minutes left, it looked as though the hosts would go on and find a late winner.

However, after surviving masses of late pressure, FC United broke away in the dieing seconds. Dale keeper Josh Lillis looked to have gobbled up a teasing through ball, but - to the shock of the crowd - Norton emerged with the ball and prodded it home into an empty net.

The full-time whistle followed almost immediately and FC's travelling masses swarmed the pitch as their team booked a spot in the second round.

Karl Marginson's men, remarkably, could be only 90 minutes away from playing Manchester United in the third round of the competition. They will either face League One high-flyers Brighton or Woking in the next round, with the two clubs set to negotiate an intriguing first round replay.

On that note, AFC Wimbledon and Milton Keynes Dons could meet in the second round. Both clubs face replays – but have been paired alongside one another in the draw. That could be an explosive evening at Kingsmeadow with the reincarnated Wombles potentially facing the side they call 'Franchise FC'.

Full Time – Rochdale 2-3 FC United of Manchester
Attendance – 7,048