CITY got their 2010-11 pre-season campaign off to a winning start this afternoon with a 3-0 victory over Ridgeons League side Dereham Town at Aldiss Park.
On a sun-drenched afternoon, the match provided the Canaries with an ideal work-out ahead of next week's training camp in Germany with 22 professional players all getting valuable game time under their belts.
Boss Paul Lambert fielded a different side in each half with fans given their first chance to see summer signings John Ruddy, Andrew Crofts, David Fox, Andrew Surman and Steven Smith in action.
City took the lead through defender Michael Nelson after 24 minutes. The big defender stroked the ball home from close range following good work from Grant Holt to gain possession in the Magpies' area.
Dereham were grateful to a number of impressive saves from 'keeper Shaun Marshall as the hosts fought to keep the score at 1-0. In the opening period Marshall made great stops to deny both Crofts and captain Holt.
With a fresh side in the second period City wrapped up the win with two goals from Cody McDonald on 67 and 69 minutes. McDonald's first came after he received the ball from Surman before turning and from the edge of the area he sent a sharp low shot into the bottom corner of the goal.
McDonald's second and City's third came just two minutes later when he robbed a Dereham defender and proceeded to round the 'keeper before sliding the ball into an empty net.
After the match boss Lambert said he was pleased with his side's first showing of the season and in such a searing heat.
"It's a good run out for the players," he told First News. "It was really warm but as long as everyone comes through ok that is the main thing.
"No matter how much running you do in pre-season, it is games where you get you fitness from."
CITY 1st half: Ruddy, R.Martin, Drury, Nelson, Askou, Fox, Crofts, Hoolahan, Holt, C.Martin, Lappin.
CITY 2nd half: Steer, K.Smith, S.Smith, Whitbread, Francomb, Hughes, McNamee (Gordon 88), Surman, Johnson, McDonald, Dawkin (Oakley 88).
LATEST TICKET NEWS...
Tickets for City's two home friendly matches with Newcastle United on Saturday, July 24 (3pm) and Everton on Saturday, July 31 (3pm) are now on general sale.
Tickets for the opening npower Championship game of the season at home to Watford on Friday, August 6 (7.45pm) and the Carling Cup tie with Gillingham on Tuesday, August 10 (7.45pm) are now also on sale.
Super members can now purchase tickets for the Watford fixture (Category A) with remaining tickets going on sale to season ticket holders and members from Monday, July 19 and general sale from Monday, July 26.
Season ticket holders and members can now purchase tickets for the Gillingham game. Remaining tickets will go on general sale from Monday, July 26. Tickets for this match are priced at just £12 and £1 for under-16s.
Call the ticket office now on 0844 826 1902 to book your tickets.
