City's Academy side went down 2-1 at Crystal Palace today in a game they will feel they should have taken something from.

FA Premier Academy Under 18 League

City's Academy side went down 2-1 at Crystal Palace today in a game they will feel they should have taken something from.

The Canaries took an early lead through Jordan Yong but the turning point of the game came on 25 minutes when City lost influential captain Paul McLean with what looks like a nasty knee injury.

It was while the Scottish central defender was on the sidelines having treatment that the Eagles equalised with an own goal before they went on to score their second in first half stoppage time.

Academy manager Ricky Martin was forced to change his team line-up when Ross Kelly was taken ill shortly before kick off.

City keeper Steve Arnold was quickly called into action making a smart save away to his left but with 10 minutes on the clock it was the Canaries who opened the scoring when David Cooper raced clear down the right flank to send in a cross that YONG met at the far post to head home.

Almost from the re-start city could have extended their lead with Cooper again being the provider.

This time however Tom Miller could only direct his header wide of the target. The lively Yong went close after he latched on to a through-ball but the action quickly switched to the other end when on 25 minutes and with City down to 10 men Palace drew level after the impressive Sean Scannell sent in a low cross that the unfortunate Miller could only turn into his own net.

Jordie Smith sent in a far post header just wide of the target while at the other end Arnold made a good save to deny Ashley Robinson. Deep into first half stoppage time Palace took the lead when SCANNELL raced clear of the Canaries defence to slot the ball past Arnold.

The home side continued to push forward after the break and it needed a good block from Miller to deny Jamie Smith while Yong saw a shot go just over the crossbar after a good knock-down by Luke Daley.

Arnold was doing his best to keep city in touch with first an outstretched leg denying Smith while moments later he produced a fantastic double save. City had two opportunities late in the game, the first with Mark O'Toole firing over the bar the second coming when Yong sent in a low cross that skidded across the goal-line with no-one able to get the final touch.

t Norwich: Arnold, Matthews (Abdillahi 75 minutes), O;Toole, Lathrope, McLean (Stevens 28 minutes), D Kelly, Cooper, Miller, Daley (Adeyemi 87 minutes), Yong, Smith. Subsititute not used Steer.

t Norwich City's under-16s side shared the honours with palace today with an entertaining 3-3 draw. Jack Bailey, Manny Richardson and Elliott Hunter scoring for the Canaries.