Norwich City’s youngsters survived a couple of early scares before taking control of their pre-season clash with Thetford Town. Norwich City’s youngsters survived a couple of early scares before easing to victory over Thetford Town.

Norwich City's youngsters survived a couple of early scares before taking control of their pre-season clash with Thetford Town.

Norwich City's youngsters survived a couple of early scares before easing to victory over Thetford Town.

Triallist striker Cherno Samba scored City's third - with Josh Dawkin, Danny Kelly and Tyree Clarke also on the scoresheet as the Canaries proved far too strong for their Ridgeons First Division opponents at a soggy Mundford Road.

City, who included three triallists in 17-year-old Diss midfielder George Wilson, former youth team keeper Danny Gay and Gambian striker Cherno Samba, also gave Luke Daley and Sam Habergham their first pieces of pre-season action after injuries.

And it was the hosts should have been ahead early on, full-back Richard Brindley's wayward ball letting in striker Simon Mann, who beat Dario Dumic but could not do the same to keeper Danny Gay.

Mann broke again moments later down the left, but Sam Habergham did superbly to clear at the far post as Craig Oliver loomed.

But City picked things up and took the lead on 19 minutes; Damon Lathrope's free-kick leading to head tennis in the Town box, and as Dawkin tried to head the ball over Corston, the ball inexplicably went through the keeper's hands.

A minute later, Samba had his first sight of goal after some patient City play, Wilson's superb touch setting him up, only to blaze over from 16 yards.

Corston redeemed himself from his earlier error with a smart save from Lathrope's drive - although the referee pointed for a goal-kick - and he deflected Kelly's effort wide after good work from Samba, who fell foul to the offside flag on several occasions during the game.

A second soon arrived from a flowing City move, Wilson breaking well and Samba setting up Kelly, who took one touch to control and a second to volley home with aplomb.

Samba showed a good turn of pace to lead a City counter after the interval, allowing Wilson's swerving effort from distance that was well saved by Corston.

City made it three on 73 minutes, Samba capitalising on Town's defensive hesitation from substitute Matt Ball's corner, and stabbing home from six yards.

But Samba was at fault as Thetford grabbed a consolation three minutes later, losing possession in midfield and leaving Matt Howard to bear down on goal; his effort going in off Dumic.

City's three goal lead was restored with five minutes remaining, when Tyree Clarke broke from the halfway line and showed excellent pace and strength to beat the defender and slip the ball under substitute keeper Matt Terry for Norwich's fourth.

t Thetford Town: Corston, Thompson, Collins-Reed, Davies, Atterton, Clayton, Howard, G Mann, S Mann, Eavares, Oliver. Subs: Catchpole, Parish, Boon, Scott, Terry.

t Norwich City XI: Gay, Brindley, Habergham (A Stephens, 68), Francomb (Hadley, 68), Dumic, Wilson (Osemwegie, 68), Daley (Clarke, 41), Lathrope (Ball, 46), Kelly (Reeves, 68), Samba, Dawkin (Gordon, 68). Goals: Dawkin 19, Kelly 39, Samba 73.

t Referee: D Stobbart