Who's going to scale the academy wall next?

How many other clubs could possibly expect to get an attendance of 1286 for a reserve game, on a chilly, clear spring Monday night, against the second string of League Two MK Dons?

Not many I’ll bet but the taste of Norwich City seems to be pretty addictive to the people of Norfolk. 2318 people attended the match against Southend in mid-November and nearly four thousand for the game against Ipswich reserves and the club must take a lot of praise for this.

Soccer PM really is a success and considering that it is rare to see an experienced first-team player involved with the reserves, unless making his way back to fitness, it reflects even more favourably on both club and loyal young supporters.

It is a good idea to try and get the young fans supporting the club’s youngsters who, if the academy successes continue to keep coming, will grow up with those players. Hopefully this can shorten the ever widening breach between fans and players, as highlighted by Wigan manager Paul Jewell this week.

I was at the game on Monday night and I enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining, competitive game between a young City side against a surprisingly strong, young MK Dons side, with former Swansea bad-boy hit man Leon Knight up front.

It was a heated and physical game that was well refereed by ‘Best Referee’ nominee in the Non-League Awards for this year, Darren Cann. The Norfolk referee, who has been an assistant to Graham Poll in a Champions League game before, was forced to book Paul McLean after he and Leon Knight got into a running battle of going in hard and late on each other.

The Dons took the lead after a well worked move that the City defence were unlucky to not get clear and City equalised through Bexfield after a defensive lapse saw Cave-Brown’s pass roll through to be chipped over the keeper by Bexfield. The Dons won it after Eagle brought down Knight for a penalty that was dispatched efficiently.

Dons first-team coach Martin Allen was in the stands for the game but decided to go down to the dugouts and give his side a lift after 10 minutes. He then proceeded to ‘f and blind’ his way through the first half, over petty incidents, much to the annoyance of watching City Assistant Manager Jim Duffy.  

With the academy scholars set to be told whether they will be offered a professional contract very soon I thought I’d take the opportunity to let you know how I thought our lads performed.

Steve Arnold – 6 – Made a good early save and came off his line well to make some good interceptions throughout the game but lacks the presence of Joe Lewis, good basic keeping skills but can he find that cutting edge?

Andrew Cave-Brown – 7 –Solid performance from the Scottish under-19 player, who got forward well and always wanted the ball. He had an air of authority about him at this level and if he can perform similarly for the first-team he could well save Peter Grant a hefty chunk of his limited summer budget.

Robert Eagle – 7 - Celebrated the one-year extension to his professional contract with a classy performance on the ball, with good, creative passing and crosses. A shame that he had to play left-back as defending is not his strong point but he looks like he has the potential to be the sort of player that Paul Mcveigh was in his prime.

Alvin Quaye – 6 – Unfortunately for Alvin he has the Anton/Rio Ferdinand too laid back attribute mixed with the Titus Bramble lapses in concentration, which is a shame because he is strong and good in the air.

Paul McLean – 8 – I was impressed with Paul, he is big and strong for a young guy and seemed to have the air of a leader around him, constantly getting involved, committed and sometimes last-ditch defending. Hopefully a Malky or Duncan Forbes of the future!

Jamie Eames – 7 – A lively performance from a player I hadn’t seen before and knew very little about but looked solid and creative on the right wing. Although he played well he will have to show more of a cutting edge to make the step up.

Bally Smart – 7 – Absolutely lightning pace but unfortunately not much beyond that. If he can develop a better touch and control, he could have an impact at first team level but if he can’t find a final ball then maybe he should turn towards the athletics track.

Damon Lathrope – 6 – A quiet game in the centre of the park where he failed to impose himself on the game and never really seemed to have an eye for a pass. Was probably his fault that the Dons scored their winner after he got in the way of a McLean clearance and the rebound left Eagle horribly exposed to bring Knight down for the penalty.

Patrick Bexfield – 8 – Bexfield ran all night, constantly nipping at people’s heels and trying to be first to the ball. Showed real determination, looked to move the ball forward and capped off a good night’s work with a tidy finish for City’s goal.

Seb Muddel – 6 – Plenty of effort but little product from the striker against a big, strong defence.

Kris Renton – 6 – The potential man of the moment did little to justify the hype. He certainly is a big lad for 17 and he showed good strength and tried to use his aerial presence but as with his strike partner, offered little in the way of a goal scoring threat.

It was great to see Chris Martin sign his first professional contract with the club today, I hope that any stress or pressure this had brought on him the last few games has been lifted and he can enjoy his football for the rest of the season.

With two match day’s over the coming weekend I’ll stock up on information for a bumper Loan Files next week so stay tuned if you interested in how Rossi and Ryan Jarvis, Ian Henderson, Andrew Fisk, Paul Mcveigh and Joe Lewis have enjoyed their Easter bank-holiday weekend.

Paul Mcveigh scored the second in Burnley’s 4-0 win over Plymouth tonight so let’s hope he doesn’t get given too many chocolate egg’s before his matches at the weekend!

Let's get the Green Flag flying high again!!!