City's Academy side were left counting the cost of missed chances as they came away from the North-East on Saturday empty handed. Despite the game being an even contest the difference between the two sides was that Sunderland put their chances away while the Canaries failed to capitalise on theirs. As early as the eleventh minute City created a good scoring opportunity but from a corner Greg Crane saw a downward header well saved by the Sunderland keeper. Full back Olly Willis was a constant threat going forward and although Danny Crow and Josh Clarke looked lively in attack the strong wind made it difficult for both teams. Against the run of play and with just one minute to go before the break Sunderland opened the scoring, hitting Norwich on the break.

Danny Crow, scorer of the Canaries only goal at Sunderland

Into the second half and City drew level on the hour mark when the tireless running of Crow paid dividends. The young striker chased the full back down to win the ball and bring City level. The turning point in the game came when Clarke fired inches wide of the target after being put clear by Adam Smith. In the course of six minutes they were to pay dearly for the miss when on 72 minutes the home side regained the lead with a rasping 30-yard shot that went in off the underside of the crossbar, and they followed that with a goal from close range that put the game beyond City's reach. City Line Up: Lewis, Willis, Chick, Crane, Tyrie, Smith, Howlett [Howell 45], Blackburn, Clarke, Crow, Eagle. Subs Not Used: J.Osborne, Herbert, Halliday. Top Canary: Olly Willis Report courtesy of John Landamore.