U18 Match Report - 14.04.10

Norwich City Under-18s 3 Charlton Athletic Under-18s 2

Dawkin Completes Norwich Comeback

Norwich City produced a remarkable comeback with Danny Kelly, Richard Brindley and Joshua Dawkin all finding the net, after trailing two nil just after half time.

This exceptional match, re-arranged from February, gained more twists and turns than you could witness on a rollercoaster at a fairground as it progressed, and credit to both teams, for entertaining the spectators, on an afternoon blessed with sunshine and a breeze.

Norwich had a good opening on just six minutes when, after a propelling run along the right flank by Osemwegie, the ball found its way across the park to Dawkin who broke free into the Charlton penalty area, but his effort was blocked.

On twenty one minutes Charlton were denied a penalty claim when Tuna felt he was unfairly challenged in the Norwich penalty area, but Refereee O'Sullivan waved play on.

After thirty one minutes, following a corner by Francomb, the ball fell loose and Osemwegie attempted an overhead kick which went wide of a post.

Charlton made an early change when substitute Popo made his way onto the field, and this brought the game to life.

Charlton took the lead on thirty three minutes when Popo was released clean through on goal from midfield and, with only Matthews in the Norwich goal to beat, he coolly slipped the ball into the corner of the Norwich net.

Charlton were finishing this first half stronger. Harriott got clear on the left to deliver an inviting low cross, but Brindley's last ditch interception cleared the danger as two Charlton players were waiting.

Popo then again should have taken further advantage as he shot wide.

Just two minutes into the second half, Charlton took a two goal advantage as Anderson slipped the ball into Tuna, who rounded Matthews before rolling the ball into an empty Norwich net.

But a minute later the Charlton celebrations were halted as Danny Kelly, for once not shadowed by his marker Mambo, nipped into the corridor of the Charlton penalty area to shoot pass Gough, and Norwich were given a lifeline.

Norwich then has a good spell of pressure as Sam Kelly brought his brother Danny Kelly into play. His angled snapshot brought the best out of Gough in the Charlton goal, flinging himself to his left to concede a corner.

Following the corner, on fifty three minutes, another goal of the season contender as Brindley intercepted the clearance form the Charlton defenders and lashed the ball home from fully thirty yards.

It even brought to life the Ambulance crew nestling on the turf.

From two goals down now, Norwich had evened the match up.

Norwich were gaining more confidence and moving the ball around, and with only minutes left a free kick from Francomb was met at the far post by Danny Kelly with a downward header across goal and there was Dawkin following in to apply the finishing touch from a yard or so out.

City Line-Up: Matthews, Osemwegie, Gordon, Brindley (A. Stephens 79), Francomb, Florence, Clarke, Dobbs (Jones 62), D. Kelly, S.Kelly, Dawkin.

Norwich City Man of the Match: Georg Francomb.

For a full selection of excellent photos from the match please also visit Richard Phillips' match gallery at www.photozonline.co.uk




Report courtesy of Rob Maynard, photo courtesy Richard Philips.