Norwich City Res 2, Oxford Utd Res 0 UNITED'S reserves found Norwich City too strong in the Avon Insurance Combination - despite a fine display from keeper Andre Arendse at the Canaries' windswept training ground yesterday.

Dutchman Fernando Derveld, on trial at Carrow Road from Haarlem, scored the first of Norwich's goals in the 15th minute, and Adrian Forbes added another six minutes before half-time.

Although United included Kevin Francis and Steve Anthrobus in their side, the closest they came to scoring was through Simon Weatherstone. His excellent turn and shot in the 57th minute produced a spectacular one-handed save from goalkeeper Robert Green.

Norwich's first goal came after veteran Mike Milligan threaded a pass through to Derveld, who drew Arendse before slotting home.

Milligan again was the provider 24 minutes later as Forbes cut in and beat the South African keeper. Norwich's victory would have been more emphatic had Arendse not saved impressively in a one-on-one with Norwich's other triallist, Manchester United midfielder Michael Twiss.

United's keeper, just back from the African Nations Cup, also saved well from Twiss in the dying minutes, while Norwich had efforts from Forbes and England Under 21 international Lee Marshall disallowed.

Norwich: Green, Joynson (Oxby 90), Fleming, Wilson, Derveld, Fitzsimon (Blois 70), Way, Milligan, Marshall, Forbes, Derveld. Subs not used: Gay, Thompson, Parry.

Oxford Utd: Arsense, Folland, Blake, Lewis (King), Shepheard, Whitehead, Abbey (McIntosh), Weatherstone, Francis, Anthrobus, Cook.

Story date: Tuesday 22 February

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