THE FIRST reserve game of the season saw City's second string win 2-1 against a hard-working Kirkley and Pakefield side at Carrow Road.

Paul Stephenson chose a team containing both youngsters and senior squad members - players Simon Lappin, Troy Archibald-Henville and Luke Chadwick.

An energetic start to the first half saw both sides share equal possession, with Luke Chadwick causing the visitors a number of problems cutting in from the right wing. However the first goal came in the 20th minute, when City's defence failed to stop the visitors' Lee Gilman, who lobbed Nelson from just outside the area after the ball sat up nicely for him to hit the ball on the volley.

City pushed for an equaliser and came close with a 25th-minute attempt from Robert Eagle but Nathan Pauling in the Kirkley goal managed to get on the ball just in time. There were also efforts from Lathrope, Renton and Chadwick but the Canaries went into the break trailing.

Half time: Norwich 0, Kirkley 1

The second half saw City come back in fighting form and they started in the perfect way with an early goal from Kris Renton, headed in from a Korey Smith cross from the right. The hosts continued to apply pressure to the Kirkley defence, and the 70th minute saw Josh Dawkin pick up a cross from Robert Eagle on the left and drive the ball past Pauling into the back of the visitors' net.

The Canaries continued to push forward with excellent work from Smith and Dawkin on the right flank. The last 10 minutes saw Kirkley look for a late goal, forcing Nelson into making three quality saves.

Full time: Norwich 2 Kirkley 1

Attendance: 441

Norwich Reserves: Stuart Nelson, Korey Smith, Simon Lappin (Johnbull Omergie), Tom Adeyemi, Dario Dumic, Michael Kandi (Danny Kelly), Luke Chadwick (Josh Dawkin), Damon Lathrope, Kris Renton, Greg Akcelrod (Luke Daley), Robert Eagle. Subs not used: Declan Rudd