CITY Reserves were edged out by a single goal at Carrow Road by Watford in their latest Totesport.com Combination - East Division clash.
Damon Lathrope saw his penalty early in the second half saved by visiting 'keeper Richard Lee before Liam Henderson made no mistake from the spot after Michael Theoklitos was adjudged to have fouled him in the box on the hour mark.
The City 'keeper had however made some good saves in the first half to keep the Canaries on level terms.
Norwich went close after just five minutes when Chris Martin broke free on the left and after his powerful shot was blocked by a defender, the loose ball bounced up to the on-rushing Tom Adeyemi who placed his header just wide of the post.
Rhoys Wiggins conceded a free-kick on the edge of the area after 10 minutes but although the ball cleared the wall, it posed little problem for Theoklitos who gathered the ball safely.
The match flowed from end to end but with very little in the way of clear-cut chances created for either team.
But on 22 minutes Theoklitos had to be alert to palm away a powerful shot from Marvin Sordell.
Ten minutes later and Watford went close to opening the scoring when Sordell unleashed a powerful shot that flew inches wide of the post and rippled the side netting.
Theoklitos was again called into action after 40 minutes. Dario Dumic conceded a free-kick just two yards outside the area and Michael Bryan curled the ball around the wall but the City 'keeper dived to his right to push the ball away.
City then had a good chance themselves a minute later when Cody McDonald broke purposefully into the Hornets' penalty area but his shot was deflected for a corner.
Half-time: Norwich City Reserves 0, Watford Reserves 0
The Canaries were given an early chance to take the lead when striker Cody McDonald was fouled in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Damon Lathrope stood up to take the kick only for Hornets 'keeper Richard Lee to get down well and make a low save to deny the youngster.
But it was the visitors who took the lead on 60 minutes. George Francomb hit a back-pass to Theoklitos that was too close to Watford's Liam Henderson. As the City stopper attempted to clear, the striker closed him down quickly, winning the ball and as the Australian looked to recover referee Mr Ross pointed to the spot for the second time of the night, deciding there had been a foul on the big forward.
Unfortunately for the Canaries this time the opportunity was taken and Henderson stepped up and slotted home past Theoklitos.
The Canaries looked to respond with McVeigh linking up with McDonald and Cureton up front but they were unable to unlock the Watford defence with the final ball.
Henderson remained a threat for the visitors, dipping an effort narrowly over the City bar after 74 minutes.
A good chance for the Canaries to draw level came on 77 minutes - both full-backs linking up in the box. Substitute Sam Habergham put a neat ball through to Francomb on the right but his shot was blocked. Watford were unable to clear the danger and the ball fell to another Canary substitute Josh Dawkin whose first attempt was again blocked and he was then unable to direct the rebound into the path of McDonald.
City seemed brighter with the introduction of Dawkin but were unable to find that equaliser, condemning them to their second reserve defeat in a row.
Final score: Norwich City Reserves 0 Watford Reserves 1
CITY: Theoklitos, Francomb, Wiggins (Habergham 61), Dumic, Kelly, Lathrope, McVeigh, Adeyemi, McDonald, Cureton, Martin (Dawkin 69). Subs not used: Brindley, Rudd, Oakley.
Watford: Lee, Bennett, Travner, Penny, Sadler, Oshodi, Bryan (Angus 68), Whichlow, Henderson, Sordell, Young. Subs not used: Gibson, Antal, Mingoia, Yiadom.
Referee: Mr S Ross
Attendance: 1, 056
