Saints edged by Norwich youngsters

Saints took control of the opening stages of the game and created the first chance when a cross from the right found Sam Bellis at the back post, but the striker could not guide his effort on target.

A weighted ball over the Norwich defence then played Marco Rus into a promising position, and the number seven did well to beat his marker before firing narrowly wide of the far post with visiting goalkeeper Joe Rose well-beaten.

Rus then looked to turn provider when he found good space to slide a low ball across goal, but two waiting Saints men could not find the finishing touch to another strong push forward.

Norwich looked to work their way back into the game after strong spell for the hosts though and, after Sean Stewart struck a free-kick over the bar, they took the lead against the run of play when Abu Kamara slid home after being played through on goal.

This setback did not halt the momentum that Saints had built for themselves and they got themselves back on level terms on 28 minutes – Bellis finding the bottom corner of the net from outside the box with the aid of a deflection.

Paul Hardyman’s side then went close to taking the lead when Kaya Tshaka’s shot fell nicely for Bellis in the area, but his shot was smothered well by Rose in the visitors’ goal.

With a lively first-half coming to a close, Norwich gained the lead again when striker Kamara bundled home from a corner.

Into the second period, Saints looked to get back on level terms early and Ramello Mitchell was unfortunate to see his strike hit the side-netting after a purposeful run towards the Norwich backline.

Shortly after, Bellis forced a good low save from Rose when he sent a low, left-footed drive goalwards, but Olly Wright had to be alert at the other end to deny Tony Springett.

A strong tussle for control of the rest of the match ensued from that point and both sides went close to scoring as proceedings moved into the final 20 minutes.

Wright produced another important stop to deny Sean Stewart adding a third for Norwich, and then Bellis hooked a dangerous cross from Mitchell over the bar on the stretch.

Luke Pearce went close to claiming a draw for Saints late on, but saw his effort well blocked by a visiting defender.

Saints Under-18s are due to be back in action in the Under-18s Premier League on the 12th December when they travel to take on West Bromwich Albion.