CITY youth maintained their unbeaten home Academy league record with a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Colney.

Norwich took on visiting Villa without the help of Dario Dumic and Josh Dawkin, who were representing Denmark and Wales respectively. Korey Smith was rested for this match, after an excellent start to the season.

In an even first half, chances came for both teams. With good football being played, Kenny Reeves had two opportunites but unfortunately just couldn't get his headers on target.

The home side worked well and restricted the visitors to shots from long range, with City's 'keeper Declan Rudd very rarely called into action.

Half time: Norwich 0 Aston Villa 0

The second half saw Villa take the lead in the 55th minute, with a low shot into the far corner sailing past Norwich's stopper Rudd.

The latter half of the game saw Villa create better chances. However the home team continued to push on and with 15 minutes to go Kenny Reeves got his head onto a good cross but could unfortunately only direct his header at the visitors' 'keeper.

But soon after the two substitutes Matthew Ball and Richard Brindley combined well, and when the ball fell to Brindley in the area he fired a first-time half-volley into the roof of the net, to bring the scores level in the 85th minute.

With just two minutes remaining, Luke Daley raced clear of the defence and squared to Ball whose first touch let him down, resulting in a missed opportunity to clinch victory.

Full time: Norwich 1 Aston Villa 1

Academy manager, Ricky Martin, said he was delighted with his side's efforts. He commented: "It was a hard-working performance, and I'm very pleased with the lads' general play. Aston Villa were a strong side and we matched them physically and played the better football for the majority of the game.

"I'm delighted for Richard who scored his first goal for the club which secured the draw that we more than deserved. Next week we play Crystal Palace and I will be hoping our unbeaten home record continues."

Norwich City: Rudd, Francomb, Cooper, Adeyemi, Stephens. Habergham (Brindley 60), Omoregie (Ball 80), Lathrope, Reeves, Kelly, Daley. Subs not used: Grieveson, Cutajar (both trialists)