Northampton Town Res 3, Norwich City Res 0: David Williams took charge of proceedings as City Reserves went down to Northampton Town at Sixfields yesterday afternoon.

Northampton Town Res 3, Norwich City Res 0

David Williams took charge of proceedings as City Reserves went down to Northampton Town at Sixfields yesterday afternoon.

With the City squad stretched to the limit following Tuesday night's Carling Cup victory at Rotherham, Williams was left with a squad almost entirely made up of Academy players, the only exception being defender Matthieu Louis-Jean, who continued his road back to full fitness with an 80 minute run-out against the Cobblers.

Norwich had no answer to their vastly experienced hosts as they went a goal down on 30 minutes when Northern Ireland international James Quinn headed past Steve Arnold, although the City 'keeper did well to get a touch on the ball.

It was a good display from Arnold, who was later well positioned to foil attempts by Tian Walton and David Hunt, but he could do little to prevent Northampton going two up after 25 minutes when Ryan Gilligan raced on to a through ball to finish from close range.

The Canaries' only effort worthy of note in the first 45 minutes was a shot on target from midfielder Ross Kelly. The home side scored their third on 62 minutes when Arnold failed to hold on to a right-wing cross, allowing Daniel Mitchell to bundle the ball over the line.

To his credit, Arnold kept the scoreline somewhat respectable, making two fine saves to deny Gilligan.

City finished the game with a flourish with substitute Luke Daley forcing Lee Harper into a good save, while defender Paul McLean sent a header just inches over the Northampton crossbar.

Northampton Town Res: Harper, May, Robinson, Hunt, (Coker, 85 min), Bonner, Dolman, Mitchell, Johnson, Quinn (Dyer, 85 min), Gilligan (Arlick, 85 min), Walton. Subs (not used) Dunne, Haines

Norwich City Res: Arnold, Louis-Jean, (Lathrope, 80 min), O'Toole, McLean, Quaye, Kelly, Eames (Daley, 80 min), Bexfield, El Ouargui, Muddel (Miller, 80 min), Smart.