CITY's youngsters were made to battle their way through via a penalty shoot-out to the second round of the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON by Dulwich Hamlet.
In an entertaining first round tie David Nwaogu gave City the lead capitalising on some poor defending, before Carl Konadu pegged Ricky Martin's side back 13 minutes from time with a great run and strike from just outside the area.
Although there were chances at both ends, it was Dulwich 'keeper Adam Molley who made a string of saves to help his side take the game to extra time and the drama of a shoot-out.
Dulwich were even reduced to ten men on 111 minutes when left-back Joe Olinda was shown a second yellow card after bringing down Tyree Clarke.
England Youth international Jed Steer saved the first spot-kick from Solomon in the shoot-out to give City the edge - and with Botwe also missing the target, the Canaries scored all of their kicks to win the penalties 4-2, Matt Ball hitting home the winning effort. City will travel to Torquay United in the second round.
The game took time to warm up but warm up it did. Todd Whittle forced Jed Steer into a great save 26 minutes in. The England youth international goalkeeper tipped the striker's curling effort from the edge of the area over the bar
ON THE BALL - City's Dario Dumic
David Nwaogu gave City a 32nd minute lead after Dulwich Hamlet goalkeeper Adam Molley came racing out of his area to clear a through-ball. Nwaogu lifted the ball over Molley and was stronger than Edward Dadzie in the aerial challenge to head in from close range.
Patrick Drmola had two efforts chalked off by the assistant referee's flag, correctly, and Johnbull Osemwegie saw his header ruled out as Drmola's cross was adjudged to have gone out of play. Midfielder Matt Ball saw an effort cannon back off the post but City dominated after opening the scoring with the hosts' defence struggling to contain the front pairing of David Nwaogu and Patrick Drmola.
Molley twice denied the impressive Ryan Oakley in the second half - first from close range staying big and midway through the half a wonderful low save to his right to palm away the winger's fierce drive from 25 yards.
Nwaogu and Drmola both had late chances saved by Molley and City survived a very late scare as Roy Odiaka missed his kick six yards from goal as the match headed to extra-time - like two of City's four FA Youth Cup games last season.
After the game Academy Manager Ricky Martin told First News: "It was a really good game and one I thought we deserved to win. Their 'keeper has made four or five great saves. If we had got the second goal when were on top to make it 2-0, then we would probably have gone on to win the game in normal time.
"We worked on penalties during the week with Neil Adams and it showed our hard work in training and preparing for this match has paid off."
City will meet Torquay United in the second round of the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday, November 18 (7.30pm) at Plainmoor. Tickets are priced at £3 for adults and £1 for under-16s. City will wear their all-white kit.
Pictures courtesy of Richard Phillips
