THE City Academy youngsters return to Norwich victorious after a 2-1 win over Arsenal at London Colney.

The Canary team travelled to the capital to take on the league leaders knowing they would be in for a tough game. Academy Director Ricky Martin made a number of changes to his team, allowing opportunities for trialists to play with a view to gaining a place at the City Academy.

City got off to a bright start despite the wet and windy conditions, and after six minutes Johnbull Omeregie provided an excellent cross from the right which Nick Davey pounced on and coolly volleyed the ball in to the back of the net.

The Canaries drove on and looked to double their lead, with Davey on the end of Danny Kelly's cross but he was denied on this occasion by the Arsenal 'keeper.

As the half progressed the Canaries missed good opportunities to create further chances and although this opened up the game for the home side, they failed to put the ball in to the net.

Half time: Norwich 1 Arsenal 0

OPENER: City celebrate opening the scoring at
London Colney in the win over Arsenal

The Canaries extended their lead on 54 minutes when a fantastic through-ball by Josh Dawkin allowed Kelly to race into goal, and although his first attempt was blocked he was on hand to knock home the loose ball and put City in a strong position at 2-0 after 54 minutes.

Norwich continued to play some good attractive football in the second half and dealt with the weather conditions extremely well, playing their best football at this point.

Further chances for Kelly to extend the lead came, but on both occasions he was unable to hit the target. As the game came to a close the home team looked to play more direct football to try and get back into the game and Declan Rudd was brought into action to keep Arsenal at bay.

However, in the 89th minute Damien Lathrope was adjudged to have clipped a Gunners player whilst making a recovery tackle and a penalty was awarded. The home side converted the penalty but it proved to be no more than a consolation as City recorded a fantastic 2-1 victory.

Full time: Norwich 2 Arsenal 1 

Academy Director, Ricky Martin told canaries.co.uk: "It was a great performance overall, with Damo (Lathrope) the man of the match. I'm very pleased we've finished the year on a high with this result at Arsenal and it gives us confidence with a run of six games being undefeated to go into the New Year and continue to progress."

City: Rudd, Chalmers (Francomb 65), Lathrope, Dumic, Stephens, Omoregie (Swaine 80), Adeyemi, Smith, Dawkin, Davey (Clarke 87), Kelly. Subs not used: Grieveson, Reeves.