With the F.A.Youth Cup clash against Chelsea at Carrow Road a little more than a week away, it did seem that David Williams' side had their minds on cup glory rather than Saturday's league game against Millwall at Colney. The visitors ran out comfortable 2-0 winners and the scoreline could have been much higher had it not been for some outstanding saves from City stopper Joe Lewis. As far as the Canaries were concerned there was something positive to take from the game with the appearance of Josh Clarke as a second half substitute after fighting his way back from three knee operations, and it was heart-warming to hear the round of applause from the Colney faithful when he came on after 75 minutes.

Josh Clarke makes his debut as an Academy scholar

Action in the Canaries' goalmouth

With several players still sidelined through injury David Williams fielded something of a makeshift side and right from the first whistle it was clear that they were going to be up against it. Greg Palmer was the first to try his luck for the visitors with a glancing header that was not so very far off target. Meanwhile at the other end Chris Martin forced Millwall keeper Preston Edwards into a save with a shot from just outside the area. Joe Lewis had to be at his very best when he pulled off a one handed save to deny Palmer and moments later Lewis was again called into action with another reflex save to keep City on level terms. Bally Smart created a good opening for City when he raced clear of his marker but with Asmat El Ouargui arriving at the near post the cross from Smart was hooked away by a Millwall defender.

It was not long before Lewis again came to City's rescue, this time denying Ross Gaynor, while shortly before the break full-back Michael Bostwick saw a curling effort skim the outside of the Canaries upright. Into the second half and it was City full back Glen Thrale who almost opened the scoring when his shot from inside the area hit the outside of the post. However with 57 minutes on the clock Millwall broke the deadlock when from a free kick Gaynor put the ball beyond the reach of Lewis. Just five minutes later and from a similar position Gaynor again beat Lewis with a free kick, this time sending in a low shot in the opposite corner.

Chris Martin just gets his head to the ball

Williams introduced schoolboy Tom Miller for his first taste of Academy action and not long after the moment many people had been waiting for came with the appearance of Josh Clarke. Clarke almost had an instant impact, first forcing Edwards into a smart save and then with just Edwards to beat he fired wide from a somewhat tight angle. Millwall almost made it three with what would have been the last kick of the game but a double save from Lewis denied substitute Sam Higgins. City Line-Up: Lewis, Thrale [Miller 67], Bexfield, Spillane, Howlett, Eagle, Eames, Martin, El Ouargui [Clarke 75], Muddel, Smart. Subs Not Used: Arnold, Daley. Top Canary: Joe Lewis.

Further Action From The Match
Robert Eagle (partly hidden by the ball) played in a central midfield role	Lee Howlett stays close to his man as Glen Thrale looks on
Former physio Henna Horth was on hand to see Josh Clarke return from injury	Asmat El Ouargui in full flight
Josh Clarke	Former Education officer Key Adey was at Colney to see Josh return and here catches up with injured Academy defender Alvin Quaye
Report and Pictures are courtesy of John Landamore.