U18s beat Norwich to stay fourth

9th April

Kees de Boer’s goal inside the last 10 minutes helped Swansea City Under-18s defeat bottom side Norwich 3-2 in an action packed Premier League South match at Fairwood.

Both sides had their share of chances in the early stages, but it was Swansea who took the lead on 19 minutes as forward Jayden Reid curled a fine shot past Sam Blair in the Canaries’ goal.

The young Swans almost doubled their lead minutes later but Arnor Gudjonsen failed to get anything on the end of a drilled cross from full-back Jacob Jones.

Norwich hit back straightaway and capitalised on a lapse in concentration allowing Adam Idah to equalise on 23 minutes.

The visitors were the brighter side in the second half, but Norwich pressure sparked Swansea to life with Marc Walsh rattling the woodwork.

Swansea then retook the lead just after the hour mark as captain Joe Lewis bundled home Tom Price’s free-kick. But the academy side were pegged back again minutes later as Finley Barnes fired home from 25 yards.

However, the Swans were not to be denied as substitute Craig Davies’ cross was volleyed home by de Boer to keep them fourth in Premier League South.

Swans U18s: Nathan Shepperd, Joe Lewis (capt), Jacob Jones, Tivonge Rushesha (Daniel Williams, 62), Cameron Evans, Tom Price, Arnor Gudjohnsen, Kees de Boer, Mason Jones-Thomas (Shaquille Wynter-Coles, 11), Jayden Ried, Marc Walsh (Craig Davies, 73).

Subs not used: Alex Lang, Jake Thomas.

Norwich U18s: Sam Bair, Trialist (Jaden Thompson-Brissett, 72), Jordan Thomas, Trialist (Anis Mehmeti, 64), Atli Barkarson, Bilal Kamal, Aaron Akyeampong-Ekumah, Alfie Payne (capt), Finlay Barnes, Trialist (Connor Parsons, 76), Adam Idah.

Subs not used: Ryan Dickerson, Shae Hutchinson.