John Landamore Norwich City U18 2, Chelsea U18 3; City's academy side came within 30 seconds of taking a point from high flyers Chelsea at Colney this afternoon but a goal deep in injury time from Jacob Mellis broke Canary hearts and to rub salt into the wound Ricky Martin's side found themselves two goals up at one stage in the game.

John Landamore

FA Premier Academy U18 League

Norwich City U18 2, Chelsea U18 3

City's academy side came within 30 seconds of taking a point from high flyers Chelsea at Colney this afternoon but a goal deep in injury time from Jacob Mellis broke Canary hearts and to rub salt into the wound Ricky Martin's side found themselves two goals up at one stage in the game.

As the game got underway the visitors were quickly into their stride and inside the first few minutes Patrick Bexfield had to be alert to clear a ball off the goal line. Michael Woods forced City keeper Declan Rudd into a good block moments later as Chelsea refused to let up on the pace. Rudd was in fine form denying both Miroslav Stoch and Mellis in quick succession. It was certainly all Chelsea at this stage as Sergio Rodriguez was denied by the woodwork while Adam Phillip saw a shot go just wide of the far post. City's first real attempt on goal saw a Korey Smith header saved while at the other end Rudd was again on hand to make a save this time from Phillip. Just when it seemed the first half would end goalless City shocked the visitors with a goal from nothing on 43 minutes when a Luke Daley cross was fumbled by Chelsea keeper Rhys Taylor allowing NICK DAVEY to get the final touch. Just eight minutes into the second half and City extended their lead when Mark O'Toole won a corner and when Damon Lathrope floated the ball in substitute David Stephens headed the ball back across goal for DALEY to fire the ball home again after Taylor had made a mess of things. Incredibly Chelsea were still having the majority of play and they pulled a goal back on 62 minutes when RODRIGUEZ fired the ball past Rudd although there were some fierce protests from both the City players and the bench for offside. Rudd was having an outstanding game when he again got his body behind the ball this time to deny Morten Nielsen but on 80 minutes he could nothing to stop the visitors drawing level with RODRIGUEZ again scoring the goal but once again there were loud appeals for offside. City were clearly upset at giving away a two goal lead but there was worse to come deep in injury time when Rudd was beaten but just when it looked as though Paul McLean would get back to clear the ball off the line the post came to his rescue but the City captain could only look on in disbelief as the ball rebounded kindly for MELLIS to tap the ball home

Norwich City: Rudd, Bexfield (Stephens 45), O'Toole, Lathrope, McLean, Miller, Daley, R Kelly, Davey, Smith (D Kelly 70), Smart (Adeyemi 85).

Sub not used: Habergham.

Chelsea: Taylor, Ofori, Bruma, Van Aanholt, Gordon, Woods, Stoch, Mellis, Phillip (Noble 70), Rodriguez, Kakuta (Nielsen 52).

Subs not used: Taiwo, Heimann, Saville.

Norwich City MoM: Declan Rudd.

Norwich City U16's ran out comfortable 6-2 winners against their Chelsea counterparts. The Canary goals coming via Manny Richardson (2), Tyree Clarke (2), Josh Dawkin and Kenny Reeves.