U18s put three past Birmingham to earn first win of the season

Birmingham had a couple of chances early on, Rico Patterson sending a free-kick wide of the post and Niall Rushton shooting wide moments later.

At the other end, City countered with speed through Alex Matos, who put the ball into a good area for Ken Aboh, but the latter struck over the bar with his first-time effort.

Matos was involved again a minute later, beating his man on the left wing and shooting into the side netting from a tight angle.

Joe Duffy had a good chance when he was put through from a quick Harry Brooke free-kick, but the shot was too soft.

Brandon Khela then shot wide for the visitors before Aboh picked out Oscar Thorn on another dangerous counter-attack, the shot again going over the bar.

In the 35th minute, Jobe Bellingham gave Birmingham the lead as he worked his way into the penalty area and beat Jayden St Paul with a low strike.

But City responded instantly, Brooke taking initiative to force a good save from Alfie Brooks before reacting quickly enough to head in the rebound.

Thorn had another shot saved and Brooke sent a free-kick wide on the brink of half-time, but City went into the break ahead when Thorn's cross hit Luke Corsley and trickled across the line.

Matos had another couple of attempts at the start of the second half, putting the ball across the face of goal and then heading into Brooks' gloves.

He was rewarded in the 56th minute, breaking down the left wing with pace and slotting the ball into the bottom right corner for 3-1.

However, City were instantly reduced to ten men as Duffy got his second yellow card of the game.

Thorn then played a good one-two with Ken Aboh after winning the ball from a Birmingham free-kick but he shot just wide of the post.

Patterson and Brooke missed another couple of chances for Birmingham and Norwich respectively in an end-to-end second half.

Ayuuba Jambang forced a good save from Brooks at his near post after bombing forward from right-back, before Brooke's corner was headed over by Brad Hills.

Williams then crossed for Jobe Bellingham to head wide and Jayden St Paul made a good save against Patterson as the Blues piled on the pressure late on.

St Paul made another good save against Bellingham moments later before Patterson shot over the bar.

The City 'keeper then made a big save against Pharrelle Williams, allowing City to on for all three points.

Norwich City U18s: St Paul, Jambang, Hills, Trialist, Shipley, Pinyoun (Welch 46'), Brooke, Duffy, Matos (Coker 78'), Aboh (Reindorf 78') Thorn

Subs not used: Trueman, Foyo

Goals: Brooke (36'), Corsley OG (45+1'), Matos (56')

Bookings: Duffy (29', 57'), St Paul (85')

Birmingham City U18s: Brooks, Oni, Manton, Khela, Barratt (Home 66'), Corsley, Rushton (Beresford 85'), Patterson, Williams, Bellingham, Nguepissi

Subs not used: Brooks, Oduka, Mazwi

Goals: Bellingham (35'), Manton (72')

Bookings: Rushton (25'), Brooks (56')

HT: 2-1

Venue: Lotus Training Centre