Goalscorer David Cooper	At a bright sunny Colney the opening 20 minutes were competitive but without any real goalmouth action. Norwich came close to scoring when a goalbound shot from centre-back Paul McLean was blocked in a scramble following a corner in the 25th minute. Four minutes later Southampton took the lead when a shot from Callum McNish hit the post and the rebound was put in by Matt Paterson. Southampton began to dominate and it took an excellent tackle from Paul McLean to deny the Saints a second goal. Gareth Matthews then limped off to be replaced by Mark O'Toole. Southampton added to their tally in the 38th. Steve Arnold did well to block Paterson as he raced clean through but when the ball was returned McLaggon and Paterson played a one two in the box McLaggon netted with Norwich appealing for offside. Norwich continued to press forward but too often the moves broke down around the edge of the box.
In the last minute of the half Jake Thomson showed great control and acceleration as he raced clear down the right before blasting the ball past Arnold. Norwich were close to pulling a goal back early in the second half when Damon Lathrope curled a shot against the bar with the keeper beaten. However three minutes later Nile Ranger put the game beyond Norwich's reach when he headed in an excellent cross from Thomson. Norwich finally got on the scoresheet after 61 minutes. The ball ran across the goal and was put back in for David Cooper to score at the near post. Southampton restored their four goal advantage after 69 minutes when Jamie Hatch put Paterson clear to score his second. The second half was a more balanced contest and Norwich netted their second goal after 82 minutes. A good run through midfield by Tom Adeyemi gave Luke Daley the chance to score with a shot into the far corner of the net. Norwich kept trying to reduce the deficit and in injury time a free-kick was headed just wide by Paul McLean. City Line-Up: Arnold, R.Kelly, Matthews (O’Toole 33), Lathrope (Adeyemi 77), McLean, D.Kelly, Cooper, Miller, Daley, Stephens (Smith 64), Jong. Subs Not Used: Steer. Ian Thornton’s Under-16’s secured a comfortable 7-1 win with Manny Richardson and Jack Bailey amongst the goalscorers.
Report courtesy of Judy Trivett and Philip Baldwin.