Young Canaries humbled by Dereham Town in 4-3 friendly defeat
Action from last night's friendly match between Dereham Town and Norwich City Under-18s at Aldiss Park Picture: TONY THRUSSELL - Credit: Tony Thrussell
Norwich City’s under 18 side were beaten 4-3 by Dereham Town in a friendly fixture at Aldiss Park.
The Magpies are without a game on Saturday due to defeat in the FA Trophy whilst the Canaries used the fixture to gain fitness amid the international break.
Goals from striker Harry Pitcher, winger Aidan Fitzpatrick and a curling effort from Will Hondermarck weren't enough to prevent the hosts from claiming victory.
City played several operators who have become a regular part of David Wright's U23 side, including goal scorers Fitzpatrick and Hondermarck among the City starting XI at Aldiss Park.
The opening exchanges saw City dominate possession without probing Dereham's defensive set-up with any real intent.
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It was the Magpies who took the lead on the 13th minute, with Adam Smith's corner fortuitously deflecting off striker Jamie Forshaw into City's net.
Moments later Town doubled their lead, with Forshaw catching City's defence out in possession before slotting under 'keeper Seb Blair.
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The pressure continued from the hosts, with King's Lynn Town loanees Ryan Hawkins fierce strike being saved at full length by Blair.
Moments later, the Canaries did manage to reduce the deficit, with striker Harry Pitcher beating Pride to the ball to pull a goal back.
Another set-piece wasn't dealt with by the young Canaries, leaving full-back Dion Frary to convert from close range on the 33rd minute to extend Town's lead.
The Canaries struggled to deal with the physicality offered by the non-league outfit, with both sides exchanging passages of slick possession throughout the opening period.
City continued to build their play through the thirds, with the synergy of the philosophy implemented by the first team evident throughout this showing.
Their possession didn't construct the chances required to bring them back into the game.
Will Hondermarck felt aggrieved after the referee adjudged his tackle on Forshaw was worthy of awarding a free-kick against the Canaries midfielder.
From that subsequent free-kick, Hawkins unleashed a powerful effort that beat Blair all ends up in the City goal.
Hondermarck curled a beautiful effort into the top right-hand corner to restore a two-goal margin between the sides.
Fitzpatrick's goal on the 86th minute proved to be merely a consolation as the final-whistle signalled an impressive with for the Magpies.
