Norwich City reserves face their first test of the season next week - against Ridgeons League side Kirkley & Pakefield. The Lowestoft side will visit Carrow Road on Tuesday.

Norwich City reserves face their first test of the season next week - against Ridgeons League side Kirkley & Pakefield.

The Lowestoft side will visit Carrow Road on Tuesday (7.30pm) to face a Canaries second string made up of young and experienced fringe players.

City pulled out of the Pontins Holiday Combination League East at the end of last summer, after manager Glenn Roeder expressed concerns about the quality of some of their opponents.

“We thought it would be better to play the stronger local part time teams, where you know you are going to get men's football,” he said. “In the reserve leagues over half the teams are made up of youth team players. Our young players will benefit more playing against the men.

“There will be other games at Carrow Road for the non-league teams which will be a real opportunity for these players to play at a stadium like Carrow Road which they might not get in their careers.”

Other local matches will be arranged, with King's Lynn certain to be invited, while Arsenal will provide very different opposition when they come to Norfolk on November 18.

The matches will include the club's SoccerPM! under-16 initiative in the Russell Allison Lounge from 6pm, with under-16s getting in free.

Both the Lower Barclay and Jarrold Stand will be open for the games. Prices are £3.50 for adults and £1 for under-16s in the Jarrold Stand and £3.50 for adults and free admission for under-16s in the Barclay Stand. Entry is free for season ticket holders.

Other provisional date for future reserve fixtures are: Tuesday, September 23 or Wednesday, September 24; Tuesday, October 8 or Wednesday, October 9.