CITY U18s beat Portsmouth at Colney thanks to a solitary Kris Renton strike in wintry weather conditions.

The groundsmen worked hard to clear the pitch of snow to make it playable. With strong winds and the ground slippy under foot, it was difficult for either side to really get into their stride and play good football.

It was Norwich that started the brighter of the two teams and enjoyed the lion's share of possession without really testing the Portsmouth goalkeeper.

Pompey slowly started to get in to game and City had to withstand ten minutes of pressure in their own half.

Play was then suspended for a short while as the weather worsen and visibility became limited.

After a five minute break the sun was back out at Colney and City were the brighter side. Eight minutes before half-time, a Korey Smith cross from the right was met by Kris Renton on the volley from eight yards to put the hosts in the lead and continue his fine goalscoring form.

It could have been better for Norwich just before the half but the Portsmouth goalkeeper denied Renton when through one-on-one.

SNOW-MAN: Midfielder Damon Lathrope trudges through
the snow at Colney during City's win over Pompey

Academy Manager Ricky Martin made a double change at the break introducing newly signed pro Tom Adeyemi and midweek hat-trick hero Luke Daley for Lathrope and Renton.

Norwich faced a difficult second half playing against the strong wind  and with the snow blowing in their faces. Seven minutes in and the visitors created a great chance to equalise but Declan Rudd was at his best to make a good save to deny them when through one-on-one.

City broke through almost immediately with Daley but he saw his shot saved well by the Portsmouth goalkeeper.

Rudd was called upon again midway through the second half when a half cleared corner was met with a howitzer from the edge of the area but the 6ft 3in 'keeper pulled off a fine save at full stretch down to his left.

Pompey continued to push forward as City found them entrenched in their own half in the blustery conditions. With ten minutes remaining the referee had no choice but to suspend play as conditions worsen once again and the players headed for the relative comfort of the Academy Arena for five minutes.

City dominated the rest of the game and created and wasted chances to extend their lead.

Academy Manager Ricky Martin told canaries.co.uk: "It was a very tough match in very difficult conditions, the boys showed a lot of character to defend their lead and in the end they got what their hardwork deserved.

"This is our last match before the Youth Cup game against Wigan on the third of December and the boys can go into the game full of confidence after the performances and results of recent weeks."

City: Rudd, Smith, Brindley, Omoregie, Stephens, Dumic, Clarke, Lathorpe (Adeyemi 45), Renton (Daley 45), Reeves, Dawkin. Subs not used: Ball, Webb, Gordon.

Norwich City's Academy team have been drawn against Wigan Athletic in the FA Youth Cup third round. The match will be played at Carrow Road on Wednesday, December 3 (7pm).