Norwich City under-21s 2-5 Southampton under-21s: match report

First-team players Christos Tzolis, Jonathan Rowe and Abu Kamara all started for the Canaries as they welcomed the Saints, but they couldn't halt the early slide to a two-goal deficit for Alan Neilson's group.

The 16-year-old Jay Robinson drove forward to open up the City defence in just the second minute, his shot breaking to Dom Ballard to find the opener.

Three minutes later captain Kamari Doyle doubled the visitors' lead, rolling home off the far post after Ballard had teed him up 15 yards out.

City then grew into the game, with chances fashioned for Rowe, Tzolis and Harry Brooke, but couldn't find their first before Samuel Amo-Amayaw widened the gap to three goals in the 42nd minute.

Jonathan Rowe started for Alan Neilson's side. (Image: Angela Sharpe)

The hosts started the second period positively, however, Brad Hills' header pulling a goal back. But their revival didn't last long, with Doyle's second coming just three minutes later via a well-struck free-kick.

Rowe, a favourite of senior head coach David Wagner, then looked to force a way back into the game with two shots on his weaker left foot, but never troubled Oliver Wright in the Saints goal.

After a corner had been the route of their first goal, however, it was no surprise City once more dragged themselves back into the game via a set-piece.

Welch's centre was this time headed by fellow substitute Ken Aboh for 4-2.

Rowe came close to finsing a third for the home side, backed by more than 2,000 supporters, but the Saints were able to see out a comfortable victory, with Amo-Ameyaw adding to the scoreline in stoppage time.

Young fans enjoying their Sunday afternoon at Carrow Road (Image: Angela Sharpe)

City defender Brad Hills admitted post-match that the poor start let the young Canaries down, but was pleased with the fight showed to get back into the game in the second half.

"We didn't start how we wanted to, that wasn't the game plan," he said. "But we came in at half-time and spoke about what we needed to do better and, credit to the lads, we came out second half and gave it a good go.

"We just said (at half time) that we were dropping off too early, we weren't on top of them, we were losing our 50/50s. We changed that a little bit, went more aggressive, were braver and took more risks."

Brad Hills on the ball during the defeat for City. (Image: Angela Sharpe)

Tzolis, Rowe and Kamara's involvement offered the hosts a boost, according to Hills, who also enjoyed the experience of playing at Carrow Road. He continued: "It's always nice to have some of the first team lads come down, because it's there chance to impress as well. They want to get picked for the first team, so there's positives and negatives.

"We don't train with them, but it's all about the experience and the learning curve.

"Being a local lad, all my family are Canaries, and I've been here since knee height. So I love playing here, and hopefully can do it in front of a full stadium one day.

"I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing, keep trying to score goals and hopefully keep some more clean sheets."

The result means City miss out on play-off qualification in the Premier League 2 second division, after a strong start to the season tailed off in recent weeks.

Southampton's young side top the table, but face pressure from Leeds United for the league title.

That quality told according to Hills, who said: "They (Southampton) are a good side, they pass the ball and move it well.

"That's why they are where they are in the league."

Fans of City's Under-21s at Carrow Road (Image: Angela Sharpe)

Norwich City: Rose (GK), Riley, Shipley, Hills, Warner, Watt (Welch, 56), Tzolis, Duffy (Trialist, 56), Kamara, Rowe, Brooke (Aboh, 71).

Southampton: Wright (GK), Payne, Meghoma, Carson, Lancashire, Bragg, Robinson (Bellis, 77), Stepien-Iwumene (Squires, 39), Ballard, Doyle, Amo-Ameyaw.

Attendance: 2,741