City Under-23s sink Argyle in Trophy opener
William Hondermarck was on target for Norwich City at Plymouth Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Summer signing Matt Dennis topped a fine evening with a goal as City opened their EFL Trophy campaign with a 3-2 win at Plymouth.
The Canaries beat off dogged resistance from the hosts, going ahead three times in the group game at Home Park.
City went ahead on 26 minutes, Plymouth’s ‘keeper Jack Ruddy caught off his line as he attempted to clear the ball, only finding William Hondermarck, who guided it home from distance.
Matt Dennis almost made it 2-0, but saw his effort saved, before the hosts levelled from the penalty spot through Klaidi Lolos in the 39th minute after he was fouled as he tried to find space for a shot. It was almost 2-1 to Norwich in the 44th minute when a low shot from Reece McAlear found its way through a crowd of players and Ruddy got just enough of a touch on the ball to divert it wide of the right post.
Dennis wasted a good chance to put Norwich ahead in the 47th minute, racing clear of the Argyle defence but taking the ball a fraction too wide and his shot was parried away by Ruddy.
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Ruddy denied Dennis again but City went ahead for the second time on 54th minutes when Tyrese Omotoye raced in behind Gary Sawyer and rounded Ruddy before slotting into the net.
Argyle midfielder Adam Randell twice went close before striker Dom Telford made it 2-2 with a close-range finish in the 63rd minute.
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But the lead didn’t last long, with City going ahead for the third time after a good, penetrating move down the right ended up with Josh Giurgi putting in a low cross and Dennis scoring with a clever flick with his back to goal in the 67th minute. The dangerous Dennis just missed a chance to add a second with a low shot across the face of goal.
The group stage game was the Academy’s first competitive game since March 2. The young Canaries went into the game on the back of three pre-season friendlies – two wins and one loss. They now have group games against Newport County and Cheltenham Town.
