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City keeper Steve Arnold turned in a memorable performance against his old club and runaway league leaders Arsenal at Colney on Saturday in the Academy's last league encounter before their Christmas break. The City stopper looked unbeatable, particularly during a frantic fifteen minute spell in the second-half when it seemed he was keeping the Gunners at bay almost single-handedly. In the end however the North London outfit walked away with all three points but only after Arnold was beaten from the penalty spot, a somewhat cruel blow for The Canaries who looked likely to take a rare point from Arsenal. With next Wednesday's F.A.Youth Cup at Portsmouth looming, David Williams took the opportunity to rest several of his more senior players and handed a first start to defender Robert Revell, while Nick Davey was making his first start at Colney. |
 Jamie Eames in action |
 Steve Arnold goes up for the ball under pressure |
There was a warm welcome back for Andrew Cave-Brown who has been sidelined since picking up an ankle injury in the Carling Cup clash against Torquay way back in August. Both sides took some time to settle down, but when they did the visitors had a shout for a penalty when Rhys Murphy went to ground all to easily, but referee Mr. Sannerude was well placed to wave Arsenal's appeals away. Davey was playing a lone striker roll up front and a through ball from Tom Miller almost put the City striker clear. Jordon Yong, making only his second start of the campaign, was causing the Arsenal rear guard a few problems and after beating two defenders he managed to find Davey, but his angled shot was saved by the outstretched hand of keeper Lee Butcher. |
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Into the second-half and City defender Paul McLean had to be alert to come across and clear the danger after Jay Thomas had wriggled his way into the City penalty area. Arsenal continued to push City back and when Peggy Lokands worked his way into the area it seemed a certain goal but Arnold had other ideas as he made a superb one-handed save. Moments later and Lokands was again foiled by Arnold who this time spread himself to save with his outstretched leg, from the resulting corner Thomas met the cross on the volley but from just outside the six-yard box somehow Arnold saved The Canaries yet again. There was heartbreak for City however on 75 minutes when Thomas went down under a challenge from McLean, giving Mark Randall the opportunity to fire The Gunners into the lead, and this he duly did sending Arnold the wrong way. Williams changed things around in the final minutes but they could find no way past the Arsenal defence. |
 Nick Davey started his first home match for the Under-18's |
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City Line-Up: Arnold, Cave-Brown [Matthews 45], O'Toole, Revell [Quaye 76], McLean, Miller, Daley, Eames, Davey [Byrne 80], Lathrope, Yong. Sub Not Used: Renton. Top Canary: Steve Arnold. |
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Further Action From The Match
Jordan Yong is beaten to this header
Luke Daley
Damon Lathrope challenges his man
Mark O'Toole
Jordan Yong receives attention from Rod Dyer
Some of the boys look on with interest
The Arsenal keeper comes to collect a cross