John Landamore Norwich City's Academy side delivered the perfect tonic after their FA Youth Cup exit last week, with a derby day victory over Ipswich Town at Playford Road.

John Landamore

Norwich City's Academy side delivered the perfect tonic after their FA Youth Cup exit last week, with a derby day victory over Ipswich Town at Playford Road.

Ricky Martin's side took a two-goal lead through Alex Stephens and Nick Davey before Town pulled a goal back shortly before the break.

Norwich could have extended their lead in a bad-tempered second half, but the Town keeper pulled off a string of fine saves.

With the advantage of a stiff breeze, City forced three corners in the first five minutes, but it was Ipswich who almost opened the scoring on 10 minutes. Ronan Murray raced through the heart of the City defence, but keeper Jed Steer was quickly off his line to block his effort.

With 18 minutes on the clock, City opened their account when full back George Francomb sent in a far-post cross that Alex STEPHENS headed back across goal into the far corner.

Town's giant striker Connor Wickham was causing the City defence plenty of problems and it needed a timely tackle from Dario Dumic to deny the Town target man.

Just before the half-hour mark, City doubled their lead. Korey Smith picked up the ball in midfield before beating two players and trying his luck from outside the box.

But Nick DAVEY intercepted his effort before turning and striking a low shot beyond Town keeper Ian McCloughlin.

It was almost one-way traffic but Town came into the final 15 minutes of the half and pulled a goal back on 38 minutes when WICKHAM drilled a shot into the far corner.

McCloughlin was quickly called into action at the start of the second half, saving from Richard Brindley. Moments later he produced an even better save to foil Josh Dawkin. Wickham curled an effort past a City post while, at the other end, Smith saw an effort go just wide.

Twice referee Mr Kelly had to call a halt to proceedings as things threatened to boil over, but it was Norwich who finished the game in the driving seat.

In time added on, David Stephens saw a header cleared off the line.

Norwich City Man of the Match: Sam Habergham.

t Norwich City: Steer, Francomb, Habergham, Smith, Dumic, D Stephens, Brindley, Adeyemi, Davey, Dawkin, A Stephens (Omoregie, 60).

Subs not used: Kelly, Grieveson, Clarke, Ball.

t Ipswich Town: McCloughlin, Hyam, Dunbar, Daniels, Ainsley, Watson, Clark, Cawley, (Clemo, 60), Wickham, Murray, Griffiths.

Subs not used: Ward, Eastman, Brandon, Bennett.