HORNE AT THE DOUBLE AS CITY WIN
A GREAT strike from Darren Huckerby set the Canaries on their way to a comfortable win in their first pre-season friendly against Ridgeons League side Fakenham Town.
Local lad Ryan Jarvis added another against his home-town team before a second-half double from Peter Thorne completed the scoring at Clipbush Park.
City kicked off their first pre-season friendly against Fakenham with a 4-4-2 formation.
Fakenham lad Ryan Jarvis lined up in attack alongside Leon McKenzie against his home-town club while at the back his brother Rossi partnered skipper for the evening Gary Doherty at the centre of defence.
In central midfield Andy Hughes started alongside Youssef Safri, with Danish youngster Asmat El Ouargui playing on the right flank.
City kicked off brightly, forcing possession in the early exchanges. Huckerby in particular was providing a constant threat, frequently turning Fakenham right-back Ollie Savage inside out.
It was no surprise when Huckerby created the first clear opening in the 21st minute, winning a penalty after being fouled by Paul Andrews following a typically mazy run into the box. Unfortunately McKenzie's side-footed spot-kick was comfortably saved by 'keeper Steve Lewis.
Fortunately for McKenzie Fakenham's reprieve was short-lived as Huckerby put the Canaries in front in spectacular style on the half-hour.
Safri picked the ball up away on the right before hitting an inch-perfect cross to the far post which was met on the full volley by Huckerby, giving Lewis no chance.
Three minutes later City doubled their advantage. Ryan Jarvis showed neat footwork on the edge of the area to make space for himself before drilling a left-footed shot into the top right-hand corner.
Fakenham were working hard but finding it difficult to create chances, although in the 40th minute Joe Lewis showed good handling to clutch a 25-yard effort from Adam Woodhouse close to his chest.
Half-time score: Fakenham Town 0, Norwich City 2
The Canaries started the second half with a completely new line-up as City boss Nigel Worthington looked to give the whole squad a run-out.
Adam Drury took over as captain in the left-back slot, while Paul McVeigh and Peter Thorne were given the task of leading the attack.
Norwich started the second period well with Thorne almost opening his account with a low shot which was saved by Lewis. Thorne was very much involved in many of City's good moves and on the hour lashed a half-volley inches over after chesting down a good cross from Spillane.
A minute later and home keeper Lewis was Fakenham's saviour once again, producing a wonderful save low down to his right after McVeigh had been put through into the clear on the edge of the box.
However City did not have to wait long for their third goal - arguably the best of the match. The Norwich team strung together at least 18 passes before upping the tempo in the final third, with Eagle and Thorne producing a delightful one-two allowing the latter to tap home from eight yards.
Six minutes later Thorne got his second and City's fourth of the night. Dickson Etuhu created the goal, intercepting a loose pass 30 yards out before finding Eagle on the overlap. Eagle's cross to the far post was collected by Thorne and he showed great strength to hold off the defender before sliding his shot under the body of Lewis.
Ten minutes from time Thorne came close to grabbing a hat-trick, but his speculative effort was comfortably saved by Lewis.
Norwich City (1st half): Lewis, Colin, Bexfield, Rossi Jarvis, Doherty (capt), Hughes, El Ouargui, Ryan Jarvis, McKenzie, Safri, Huckerby.
Norwich City (2nd half): Gallacher, Spillane, Drury (capt), Cave-Brown, Shackell, Fisk, Etuhu, McVeigh, Thorne, Robinson, Eagle (Smart 74).
Posted By: lurd, Jul 12, 21:42:09
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