Norwich City Under-23s took a 3-1 win over Colchester United U23s in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Monday afternoon.
The U23s started brightly with an early goal from Matthew Dennis before Reece McAlear’s free-kick and Melvin Sitti’s penalty rounded off the result.
City’s first effort fell in the tenth-minute when Ethen Vaughan picked the ball up nicely on the right side. The right-back crossed into the box, but no City shirts were there to receive as the chance went begging.
The young Canaries wouldn’t have to wait long for their first chance and goal, however. Getting the ball to his feet just outside the Colchester box, Dennis shook his man and round the ‘keeper swiftly, firing into an open net for the opener.
Dennis nearly found his brace in the 25th minute after Louis Lomas’ incisive pass found the striker, who was chopped down just outside the area.
McAlear stepped up to the set-piece, the midfielder forcing a top-draw save as the ball head for the top corner.
Before the 40th minute, Dennis found yet another chance for his brace as he found space on the left-side of the box, his shot straight at the ‘keeper.
Just on the stroke of half-time McAlear was given yet another chance to shoot with a dangerous free-kick on the left flank of the 18-yard box. The Scot took his effort nicely, finding the far top corner before the break.
Coming out for the second half, City were awarded a penalty after Josh Giurgi was chopped down from behind. Sitti stepped up to the spot, firing into the bottom-left corner for the Canaries third goal.
McAlear was given his third direct free-kick of the game in the 56th minute, the midfielder forcing yet another top corner save.
After a quiet period, Colchester caught City on the left-side, cutting inside and firing for Rose, who’s excellent one-handed save denied the U’s.
Colchester wouldnt be kept out for long, however, when the hosts were awarded a penalty just after the 72nd minute through Ethen Vaughan’s foul. Sending Rose the wrong way, the hosts found the back of the net for their first goal.
After conceding, City would go on to cruise through the last 20 minutes, holding on until the full time whistle for their 3-1 win.
Norwich City starting XI: Rose, Vaughan, Tomkinson (c), Lomas, Nizet (Hills, 46), Riley, Dronfield, McAlear (Duffy, 60), Sitti (Thorn, 60), Giurgi, Dennis
Subs not used: N/A
Goals: Dennis (15), McAlear (45), Sitti (50)
Bookings: N/A