Norwich City’s Academy side produced an amazing comeback to deny Leeds United’s youngsters in the opening game of the Academy League season.
The Canaries battled back from three goals down with six minutes remaining to earn a point at Thorp Arch.
United went into the half time interval one goal to the good after Mike Whitwell had converted a 29th minute penalty and with two further strikes mid way through the second half Leeds seemed to be cruising to victory.
However goals from David Nwaogu, Danny Kelly and an injury time strike from Skipper George Francomb (pictured above) ensured that the Canaries took a share of the spoils.
Talking after the match Leeds United Coach Neil Redfearn bemoaned the “suicidal defending” of the final ten minutes but was also quick to highlight some obvious positives;
“It was a really accomplished first 80 minutes,“said Redfearn.
“We pressed well, the work-ethic was different class, and we deserved our three-goal lead. But the only downfall – the obvious downfall – was the suicidal defending of the last 10 minutes when we let Norwich dictate to us in wide positions and didn’t show enough know-how to tough it out to get the win we deserved.”
Understandably the grandstand finale left Norwich City Academy Manager, Ricky Martin with a different take on proceedings and speaking to the Club website he said:
“I felt we were undeservedly three goals down, but we played good attractive football second half and showed good determination and team spirit to get back into the game.”
Leeds United: Jones, Milne, Watson, Williams, Darville, Hatfield, Booker, L Turner, Payne, Whitwell, Elliott.
Norwich City: Hewitt, Francomb, Habergham, Osemwegie, Dumic, D.Stephens, Clarke (Oakley 90), Brindley, Kelly, Drmola (Nwaogu 65), Dawkin.
