A LATE Watford goal took the points in the Premier Academy League game at a blustery Colney Training Centre today, which ended in a 2-1 defeat for the young Canaries.
Watford threatened as early as the third minute when their forward found himself one-on-one with Jed Steer in the Norwich goal, though his shot dribbled wide of the far post.
Five minutes later Tyree Clark beat his man in the wide right position, crossed to Danny Kelly but he was unable to direct his header on target.
With 20 minutes on the clock, Norwich manufactured the best chance of the half, Clark received the ball 18 yards out, but his shot went across goal and just wide of the far post.
On 37 minutes Watford broke well again, this time Steer was forced to make an excellent save at full stretch.
Just before the half-time interval Watford took the lead, Norwich were caught high up the pitch, leaving the Watford forward a clear run at goal and he gave Jed Steer no chance with his finish.
Half-time: Norwich City 0 Watford 1
Norwich looked more meaningful in the second period, Clark progressed down the right hand side, pulled the ball back for Josh Dawkin whose first time shot was very well saved by the Watford goalkeeper.
On 62 minutes Danny Kelly forced his way through on goal but unfortunately his shot was straight the advancing Hornet's 'keeper.
With 20 minutes left, Dawkin beat his marker well on the left wing and delivered a great cross for Patrick Drmola who volleyed at goal and once again the visiting stopper managed to tip the ball over the crossbar for a corner.
On 75 minutes Ryan Oakley replaced Tyree Clark and Sam Kelly replaced Jason Dobbs for the Canaries.
With 10 minutes remaining Norwich equalised, Ryan Oakley made an immediate impact when he beat his marker for pace and delivered a good cross to Dawkin, the forward saw his shot saved once more by the Watford keeper, but Patrick Drmola was on hand to volley in the rebound.
With five minutes remaining a defensive lapse in the Norwich area allowed Watford's forward an easy goal from close range which in the end was enough to win the match for his side.
Final score: Norwich City 1 Watford 2
Speaking after the match Academy Manager Ricky Martin said: "I felt we were exposed defensively too often in the first half and were lucky not to go behind early on, slowly we started to get back into the game, but were hit in the break just before half time and went in a goal down. Second half we had much more purpose about our play and I felt their goalkeeper kept them in the game with some very good saves. We eventually got the goal our second half display deserved, but some sloppy defending allowed Watford to retake the lead, overall I am disappointed with the result as I felt we were worthy of a point."
CITY: Steer, Jones, Gordon, Osemwegie (Brindley 81), McKenzie, Francomb, Clark (Oakley 75), Dobbs (S. Kelly 75), D. Kelly, Drmola, Dawkin. Subs not used: Matthews, Loza.
