UNDER-23S: NORWICH 0 UNITED 1
Ricky Sbragia’s Under-23 team returned to the summit of the league table after grinding out a 1-0 win over Norwich City in deepest Norfolk.
It wasn’t a classic encounter in East Anglia, but Aidan Barlow’s goal, 20 minutes, from time was enough to secure another three points.
The win also preserved and increased the Under-23s' unbeaten opening to the campaign to seven games, and maintained our record of having scored in every match to date.
United approached this match holding second place in the table, just one point behind league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Norwich, who have only been beaten twice in their opening six games, were two points adrift of the Reds in fifth spot. United made three changes from the side that defeated Middlesbrough, 2-0, in the North East at the weekend. Callum Whelan, DJ Buffonge and Barlow were included in the starting line-up in place of Angel Gomes, James Garner and Tahith Chong.
United approached this match holding second place in the table, just one point behind league leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Norwich, who have only been beaten twice in their opening six games, were two points adrift of the Reds in fifth spot. United made three changes from the side that defeated Middlesbrough, 2-0, in the North East at the weekend. Callum Whelan, DJ Buffonge and Barlow were included in the starting line-up in place of Angel Gomes, James Garner and Tahith Chong.
The wind had freshened as the game progressed and both teams reacted accordingly by playing the ball along the ground.
United’s six matches before this trip to Norwich showed a remarkable symmetry with the sequence reading: draw, win, draw, win, draw, win and the way this match was unfolding there appeared every chance of the pattern continuing.
DJ Buffonge attempted to break the deadlock as the hour-mark was reached, but his shot failed to cause City keeper Jon MacCracken too much distress. A point apiece began to look more and more the likely outcome as time moved on, but then, in the 71st minute, United found a spark that was enough to break the stalemate.
Lee O’Connor initiated the move with a fine ball to Bohui, who instantly stroked his pass to Barlow. The Salford-born midfielder was being closely policed by Canaries’ defender Ciaren Jones, but he managed to shake off the attentions of his marker before placing his shot past McCracken.
Norwich’s cause wasn’t helped in the 85th minute when midfield player Anthony Spyrou was sent off after being shown two yellow cards.
MATCH DETAILS
UNITED: Kovar; Warren, Poole, R. Williams, O’Connor; Barlow, Whelan, Hamilton; Buffonge (Gribbin 70), Dearnley, Bohui.
Substitutes not used: Woolston, Ercolani, Sang, Baars.
Scorers: Barlow 71
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