Norwich City's Under-18 side last night booked a place in the last sixteen of the F.A. Youth Cup, and a trip to Manchester United, with a 2-0 win against Sheffield United at Carrow Road. The visit to cup-holders United, even if the game seems likely to be played at Altringham's ground, is a deserved reward for a fine display against a fancied Blades side. Without the services of the injured Ryan Jarvis, Sammy Morgan switched to a 4-5-1 formation with Danny Crow the sole striker, supported by a five-man midfield with Lee Howlett playing an anchor role in front of the defence. And how well the team adapted in front of a near 1500 crowd. The first-half honours were evenly shared. Norwich twice created good chances for Lee Blackburn, who first had an opportunity with a header from an Eagle cross and then a shot, which was blocked on the line.	Adam Smith, who again impressed - in midfield and defence
Lee Blackburn, who got the vital opening goal	Eagle himself then saw a shot rifle into the side netting. In midfield Adam Smith was outstanding for Norwich and had a big hand in any chances Norwich created. Equally Sheffield looked dangerous on the break and it took a while for Matthew Halliday and Jake Osborne to get to grips with the Blades' front pair of Speight and Morrison. Nevertheless Sheffield were limited to one big chance as Speight broke loose, but Joe Lewis was on hand to save at the striker's feet. The first ten minutes of the second-half then decided the game for Norwich. First Lee Blackburn rose to a Nicky Howell cross at the far-post to put Norwich 1-0 up a minute into the half. Only five minutes later Matthew Halliday got on the end of an Adam Smith free-kick to extend the lead. When Sheffield hit a post immediately after the 2-0 lead, it seemed that their best chance to get back into the game had gone.
And so it proved. The Norwich defence, with Adam Smith now at left-back, held firm as Sheffield pushed to get back into the game and it was Norwich who had chances to extend their lead on the break through Crow and Eagle. All in all, a great team performance saw Norwich through, with Lee Blackburn, who has been interesting the England Youth scouts, perhaps shading the "Top Canary" nomination. Schoolboy Andrew Fisk also deserves a mention, fitting well into midfield as a half-time substitute and having a part in the build-up to the first goal. Now bring on ManU! City Line-up: Lewis, Willis, Watts (Fisk 45), Osborne, Halliday, Smith, N. Howell, Blackburn, Howlett, Crow, Eagle (Muddel 90). Subs Not Used: Djhansouzi, A. Howell, Herbert. Top Canary: Lee Blackburn. Attendance: 1483. Report courtesy of Paul Standley.