Diss Town 0, Norwich City XI 0: Norwich City's rising stars were given a taste of what is to come when they represent the club in the new season's Norfolk Senior Cup.

Diss Town 0, Norwich City XI 0

Norwich City's rising stars were given a taste of what is to come when they represent the club in the new season's Norfolk Senior Cup.

The Canaries have returned to the county's premier knockout tournament, when the teenagers who learn their trade at Colney will come up against the men who represent Norfolk's best amateur sides.

Ridgeons League First Division club Diss were, therefore, perfect opponents.

“I'm very pleased,” said Academy boss Ricky Martin.

“They are all under-18s, so from that point of view we are playing against a senior group of players who are physically a bit stronger - they are young men and I thought the lads dealt with that very well.

“It's probably our best performance so far pre-season for the Under-18s group.

“We may face Diss in the Senior Cup and this is the group of players that will play against them, so when we come here we now know we can compete and be able to express ourselves.”

The absence of any of City's seasoned performers at least ensured a competitive game.

Richard Brindley was the first to show for City, striking a looping shot from fully 25 yards which was a foot wide of Matthew Webster's left post - the impressive Jordan Rocastle was a little more wayward for Diss minutes later.

Diss skipper Brendan Foley's celebrations were cut short when an offside flag ruled out his goal within two minutes of the restart. Fellow defender Simon Jackson tried to get in on the act, but sent a header inches wide.

But Diss refused to buckle and Craig Skipp was almost their hero with a free-kick that went close as the Tangerines found a second wind.

Keeper Webster produced the save of the night to deny Brindley - and earn the hosts a well-deserved draw.

t Diss Town: Webster, Shadrack, Garner, Jackson, Foley, Watts-Sturrock, Rocastle, Catchpole, Moody, Abbott, Bryant. Subs: Hooks, Mann, Kirkby, Wynne, Bryant, Skipp, Hunt.

t Norwich City: Matthews, Florence, Gordon, Clunan (Dobbs 62), Campbell (McKenzie 80), Jones, Duncan, Ball, Loza (Oakley 46), Brindley, Stephens (Kelly 59). Subs not used: McKenzie.