Southampton showed why they have already taken the league title when they overcame City's Academy side at Colney on Saturday. The scoreline however did'nt tell the whole story and at 4-1 it did flatter the Saints somewhat after a typical battling performance from Sammy Morgans young side. Injuries and suspensions saw Morgan and Ricky Martin forced into some interesting changes, not least of all a recall for Dean Sinclair and a start at central defence for Matthew Watts, while schoolboy Andrew Cave-Brown came in at right back with Olly Willis moving across to the left. The visitors found City were in no mood to show the table-toppers any respect and after the early midfield battle it was City who had the first attempt at goal when Sinclair saw a shot blocked. Andrew Surman went close on two occasions for Southampton, the first just wide of the upright while the second took a deflection wide for a corner.

Olly Willis put in a solid performance out of position at left-back

Danny Crow gave the Canaries a first-half lead

With just a few minutes before the break Danny Crow saw a free kick send Andrew McNeil scampering across the goal-line as the ball went just the wrong side of the post. Crow was not to be denied however and deep into first half injury time he opened the scoring with a spectacular low drive from 30 yard that sailed into the bottom left hand corner. City kept up the pressure at the start of the second-half forcing two quick corners before the action quickly switched to the other end with Joe Lewis making a good save. With 48 minutes gone Southampton drew level with something of a fluke goal when from a free kick Kyle Critchell got his foot to the ball, sending it looping over the stranded Lewis and into the City goal. If their first goal was somewhat fortunate there was something a bit special about the visitors' second just 5 minutes later, Lewis having no chance with a 20 yard effort from Feliciano Condesso. Morgan changed things around in an attempt to get back into the game and the Canaries went close with a header from Sinclair.

Late in the game and with City pushing forward there was always a danger that Morgan's men would get caught out at the back That was just what happened on 86 minutes when Tim Sparv volleyed home after Lewis had pulled off a good save from Eddie Anaclet. Two minutes later and Southampton scored their fourth when Jermaine Roche hit the target from close range. City have just two more Academy games left this season with Millwall away next week and at a date still to be decided for the home game with F.A.Youth Cup finalists Aston Villa.

Dean Sinclair went close with this header

City Line-Up: Lewis, Cave-Brown, Willis, Watts, Halliday, Fisk, N.Howell, Sinclair, Howlett, Crow, Eagle [Martin 85] Subs Not Used: Herbert, Spillane, A. Howell, Djahansouzi Top Canary: Lee Howlett.

Further Action From The Match
Andrew Cave-Brown receives treatment from Henna Horth	City break from defence
Lee Howlett picked up the man of the match nomination	Nicky Howell challenges for the ball
Matthew Watts was on target for the Reserves at Aldershot in midweek	Matthew Halliday gets in a good header
Injured duo Jake Osborne and Josh Clarke	Reserve team coach Keith Webb keeps a watchful eye on proceedings
Report and Pictures courtesy of John Landamore