CITY got their pre-season preparations off to a winning start this evening as a Norwich City Xl, under the guidance of coach Ian Crook, ran out 6-0 winners against Ridgeons League Division One side Fakenham Town at Clipbush Park.

A youthful Norwich side, which included two trialists in the starting line-up, was captained by summer signing Matt Gill.

After a bright start from both teams, City were the first to have an attempt on goal as Tom Adeyemi went close. The visitors then survived an early scare when Fakenham found the back of the net inside the opening ten minutes - however, their blushes were saved by a linesman's flag which ruled the effort out for offside.

A lively Adeyemi then tested the home 'keeper again, before Powell won a free-kick on the edge of the area which was quickly taken by Damon Lathrope but easily claimed by the goalkeeper. City took the lead after 21 minutes when trialist Troy Powell found himself in a one-on-one situation with the Ghost's 'keeper. His initial effort was repelled by the goalkeeper and then half-cleared by a combination of 'keeper and defender. The ball eventually fell to Adeyemi who stroked home from 18-yards.

The Canaries almost extended their lead on the half-hour mark when Lathrope dragged a cross-cum-shot inches wide of the far post.

Norwich made it 2-0 when Adeyemi scored his second of the evening. Following clever hold-up play from Powell, the trialist fed the ball back to Adeyemi who rifled home from the edge of the area.
On the stroke of half-time City almost made it 3-0 when a powerful run from George Francomb saw the Canary full-back spring the off-side trap to find himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Sadly his powerful effort was superbly saved by stopper Cameron Brown.

Half-time: Fakenham Town 0 Norwich City 2

Ian Crook made three changes in the half-time interval, with trialists Nicholas Chrysantho and Max Joarder joining Danny Kelly in the action. The trio replaced Matt Gill, Kris Renton and Dario Dumic respectively.

Paul McVeigh extended City's lead in the opening minute of the second half when he cracked home a 25-yard volley.

After a string of substitutions on 65 minutes, the Canaries scored two quick goals through Australian trialist Max Joarder and then Powell.

The lively Powell then twice hit the post before scoring his second, and City's sixth, with a curling shot on 80 minutes.

After the match Crook expressed his delight at a useful workout and another step taken towards the big kick-off on August 8. He told First News: "I'm really pleased, we had one day to work together yesterday and they turned it around brilliantly. Fakenham gave us a good game, and our lads worked well together - Tom Adeyemi was on top form, as were the trialists we have with us.

"It was a good work out - the lads all worked hard. Tom had five shots on target and two were goals, and you can't really ask for more."

Full-time: Fakenham Town 0 Norwich City XI 6

City: Steer, Francomb, Mtandari, Dumic (Joarder 46), Stephens, Adeyemi (Osemwegie 65), Gill (Chrysantho 46), McVeigh (Dawkin 65), Powell, Renton (Kelly 46), Lathrope (Clarke 65). Unused sub: Grieveson.

Attendance: 1,069