Crystal Palace Training Ground

Goals by Nick Davey and Josh Dawkin, one in each half, gave Norwich another three points on their travels against high riding Crystal Palace whom have of late, consolidated second position in Group A of the Premier Academy League. Norwich for the first time this year returned South, and an unexpected, surprise warm morning, was more than welcoming after previous postponements due to the elements of the weather and Youth Cup fixtures as they arrived at Copers Cope Road. Norwich showed early passion in the match, especially with noticeable absentees from the starting eleven.

It was on twelve minutes when Norwich threatened the hosts, as Johnbull Omoregie driving from midfield played in Nick Davey, who from an angle shot for goal, with Kieron Thorp between the posts, saving well. On fifteen minutes Norwich opening the scoring when Nick Davey chasing a released ball, and making his presence felt in the Crystal Palace penalty area, harassed Ryan Carolan, into a defensive error, which allowed the Norwich forward to bring the loose ball under control before firing low across Kieron Thorp and into the far corner of the netting. Norwich however were also marshalling their defence against Crystal Palace’s speedy forwards who seeked openings, at every opportunity, but David Stephens and Dario Dumic were equal to the task, withstanding, amongst, constant aerial duals. Crystal Palace in the early stages of the second half were even more threatening as Norwich dug in. But out of the blue, on sixty five minutes, a harmless ball in the Crystal Palace penalty area, was followed in by the tireless Kenny Reeves. Kieron Thorp then made a hash of his clearance and with Kenny Reeves pouncing on the mistake, rounded the Crystal Palace stopper to shoot, into which looked like an empty net, only for him to redeem himself at the near post. Norwich then got the ball forward into the Crystal Palace half of the field and with clock ticking away on sixty eight minutes, found themselves two goals ahead. Josh Dawkin, out wide on the left flank gathered the ball well, and with defenders in front, no positive routes to goal, just appearing to be himself, started drifting infield, before surprising all, by letting fly with his right foot, with the ball swirling around the defence, and entering just inside the far post, with Kieron Thorp partially unsighted. Four minutes later, Crystal Palace finally dented the Norwich rearguard, as Kieron Cadogan broke into the Norwich penalty area, though his first effort was blocked, he made no mistake with his second, shooting low pass Declan Rudd, from close range. Norwich now had to defend in numbers as they came under waves of attacks, and with four minutes remaining Declan Rudd saw the ball come back off a post from a goalmouth scramble, with Kieron Cadogan appearing to be the unfortunate player. But Norwich survived to take back to Norfolk the points, after a very competitive encounter. City Line-Up: Rudd, Brindley, A Stephens (Gordon 85), Lathrope, Dumic, D Stephens, Dawkin (Oakley 60), Ball (Clarke 49), Reeves, Davey, Omoregie. Unused Subs: Grieveson. Top Canary: Nick Davey. Report and photo courtesy of Rob Maynard.