U18s Report: Norwich City 1-1 Saints

After an early scare, Saints began to play their way in to the game, with midfield duo Will Smallbone and Harry Hamblin enjoying possession in the central third.

Javen Siu was the savour in the seventh minute, as he turned an Adam Idah shot off the line, before some resolute defending from skipper Christoph Klarer ensured the away side emerged unscathed.

Obefemi had the first sight of goal for Saints as the clock ticked over 15 minutes, after pinching the ball in Norwich's defensive third, the striker drove menacingly at goal.

Using his pace to burst in to the vacated space, the teenager elected to shoot, but wasn't able to spot the back post run of Harrison Davis, who perhaps was better placed to test Jon McCraken in the Norwich upright.

The deadlock was broken in the 18th minute, as a sumptuous cross from the left was met by frontman Idah, who connected with his head to give the home side the advantage.

Obafemi had the ball in the back of the Canaries' net on the half hour mark, only for the referee's whistle to cut the celebrations short, for what was deemed to be a foul on covering defender Louis Lomas.

But it wasn't long before Obafemi was in on the action again, latching on to a square pass from Kornelius Hansen and gladly accepting the easiest of finishes to restore parity just before half-time. Smallbone also deserved plaudits for orchestrating the move from midfield.

Saints began the second period on the front foot, with Harlem Hale often involved down the left, before Klarer was close to edging the visitors in front with a headed effort from a corner.

Siu was in the right place at the right time once again midway through the half, throwing his body in line with the flight of the ball, before Obafemi was released minutes later and fired a shot goalward.

The effort was parried by McCracken, and perhaps represented Saints' best chance of the half. Hansen headed wide in the closing stages, before substitute Bartlett skewed an effort over the bar, but the winning goal managed to evade both sides.