Leicester City U18 5 Norwich U18 0

[Thracian]

If this had been a boxing match the referee would have stopped it halfway to save Norwich further punishment and then to make enquiries as to who set up such a mismatch.

City won with first half goals by Cian Boulger, Craig King and Elliot Chamberlain followed by second half goals from Ade Yussef and Jeff Schlupp.

Afterwards, I was left wondering how a clash between City's title winning Academy team of three or four years ago and the current team would have ended because today's outfit looked like a test for anyone.

Where the old team of Andy King, Max Gradel and Eric Odhiambo had passing and pace, today's team had speed and power in almost every department and they might easily have scored eight or 10 in this latest Belvoir Drive spectacle.

Red Bull is famous across the nation but, at City, the only bulls being mentioned were our own Yussef and Schlupp.

These two were a treat to watch. Neither looked especially tall compared with the giant defenders who tried to suppress them but they were like a pair of middle-sized Mike Tysons. They absorbed challenges, turned on their toes and their pace off the mark so-often dismantled the Norwich defence.

I've rarely seen anyone turn like Schlupp in youth football and then hit the penalty box so quickly and dangerously.

If he and Yussef, plus atttacking midfielder Craig King, don't make it to the senior ranks then something will be seriously wrong.

City took the lead after about 18 minutes when Craig King delivered a perfect cross from the right corner to centre-back Cian Boulger who had read what was coming and never looked like missing his header from a towering leap.

Unlike the first team there was never any thought of the under 18's sitting back to protect what they had. Although always focused defensively they made light of the headwind and drove forward at every opportunity.

Craig King controlled much of the central action and it was he who plundered City's second goal when he controlled the ball instantly on the edge of the box, turned cleverly to beat the covering defenders and despatched an expert finish into the left-hand corner.

Jorrin John was the next to provide a telling pass, picking out the predatory Elliot Chamberlain who collected the perfect poacher's goal.

City had the ball in the net within seconds of the restart - again through Chamberlain - but his effort was ruled offside and the same player broke clear down the centre only minutes later, this time being foiled by the onrushing Norwich keeper.

Norwich faced an unenviable task trying to subdue the City onslaught and, while their forwards did create a few worthwhile chances and a couple of decent saves from Ambrusics, their defenders might need help to mend the psychological damage of being turned every which way and run to the point of despair.

Leicester scored twice more in the closing quarter. First Yussef fought to win a challenge he'd no right to win on the left touchline. Not only did he ease out his bigger, heavier opponent but his control was impeccable as he turned inside and left the defender like a gazelle would leave a limping tortoise before calmly steering his finish just inside the far post.

Finally a Yussef header put Shlupp through for an easy fifth from close range.

Those last two goals were fitting compensation for the "bull boys" who had worked so tirelessly to create a chololate box of choice chances which they'd squandered with mostly over-excited or over-hit finishing.

Not that this was a two man show in any sense. You could see why Academy boss Jon Rudkin is reported to be so proud of and excited by this team cos it was as good a collective effort as I could have imagined at this stage of the season.

Centre-back Tom Parkes emphasised City's attitude by cajoling his fellow defenders to maintain position and concentration even when victory was long assured.

Apart from one slip when turning, the giant Viking-lookalike Cian Boulger was a rock before being substituted and his replacement Liam Moore offered no relief to the Norwich forwards, quelling a couple of attacks with the sort of leaps that might make ladders obsolete.

In midfield Craig King was master.

I'd never been convinced by him as a striker but as an attacking central midfielder his energy and awareness took the breath away, at least from this old man!.

Second half his central partner Ben Milnes took a greater share of control and might easily have had a goal himself with a dipping free-kick which flew just too high and another excellent dribble and shot which had to be tipped over the bar.

I won't give player ratings because I'm still unfamiliar with the names and faces of two or three players but suffice to say they would have been high for all the starters and very high for Schlupp, Yussef and King.

Not for the first time in recent years I found myself enjoying watching the less cautious approach of our youth team far more than the seniors.

Apologies for any identification errors in what was an off-the-cuff report.

[StanSP]

If this had been a boxing match the referee would have stopped it halfway to save Norwich further punishment and then to make enquiries as to who set up such a mismatch.

City won with first half goals by Cian Boulger, Craig King and Elliot Chamberlain followed by second half goals from Ade Yussef and Jeff Schlupp.

And afterwards, I was left wondering how a clash between City's title winning Academy team of three years ago and the current team would have ended because today's outfit looked like a test for anyone.

Where the old team of Andy King, Max Gradel and Eric Odhiambo had passing and pace, today's team had speed and power in every department and they might easily have scored eight or 10 in this latest Belvoir Drive spectacle.

Red Bull is famous across the nation but, at City, the only bulls being mentioned were our own Yussef and Schlupp.

These two were a treat to watch. Neither were especially tall compared with the giant defenders who tried to suppress them but they were like a pair of middle-sized Mike Tysons. They absorbed challenges, turned on their toes and their pace off the mark so-often dismantled the Norwich defence.

I've rarely seen anyone turn like Schlupp in youth football and then hit the penalty box so quickly and dangerously.

If he and Yussef, plus atttacking midfielder Craig King, don't make it to the senior ranks then something will be seriously wrong.

City took the lead after about 18 minutes when Craig King delivered a perfect cross from the right corner to centre-back Cian Boulger who had read what was coming and never looked like missing his header from a towering leap.

Unlike the first team there was never any thought of the under 18's sitting back to protect what they had. Although always focused defensively they made light of the headwind and drove forward at every opportunity.

Craig King controlled much of the central action and it was he who plundered City's second goal when he controlled the ball instantly on the edge of the box, turned cleverly to beat the covering defenders and despatched an expert finish into the left-hand corner.

Jorrin John was the next to provide a telling pass, picking out the predatory Elliot Chamberlain who collected the perfect poacher's goal.

City had the ball in the net within seconds of the restart - again through Chamberlain - but his effort was ruled offside and the same player broke clear through only minutes later, this time being foiled by the onrushing Norwich keeper.

Norwich faced an unenviable task trying to subdue the City onslaught and, while their forwards did create a few worthwhile chances and a couple of decent saves from Ambrusics, their defenders might need help to mend the psychological damage of being turned every which way and run to the point of despair.

Leicester scored twice more in the closing quarter. First Yussef fought to win a challenge he'd no right to win on the left touchline. Not only did he ease out his bigger, heavier opponent but his control was impeccable as he turned inside and left the defender like a gazelle would leave a limping tortoise before calmly steering his finish just inside the far post.

Finally a Yussef header put Shlupp through for an easy fifth from close range.

Those last two goals were fitting compensation for the "bull boys" who had worked so tirelessly to create a chololate box of choice chances which they'd squandered with mostly over-excited or over-hit finishing.

Not that this was a two man show. You could see why Academy boss Jon Rudkin is reported to be so proud of and excited by this team cos it was as good a collective effort as I could have imagined at this stage of the season.

Centre-back Tom Parkes emphasised City's attitude by cajoling his fellow defenders to maintain position and concentration even when victory was long assured.

Boulger was a rock before being substituted and his replacement Liam Moore offered no relief to the Norwich forwards, quelling a couple of attacks with the sort of leaps that might make ladders obsolete.

In midfield Craig King was master.

I'd never been convinced by him as a striker but as an attacking central midfielder his energy and awareness took the breath away, at least from this old man!.

Second half his central partner Ben Milnes took a greater share of control and might easily have had a goal himself with a dipping free-kick which flew just too high and another excellent dribble and shot which had to be tipped over the bar.

I won't give player ratings because I'm still unfamiliar with the names and faces of two or three players but suffice to say they would have been high for all the starters and very high for Schlupp, Yussef and King.

Not for the first time in recent years I found myself enjoying watching the less cautious approach of our youth team far more than the seniors.

Apoloigies for any identification errors in what was an off-the-cuff report.

Good report .

If that was off-the-cuff, I dread to see what a full analytical report would be!

It's looking good for the future if this match is anything to go by.

[davieG]

Thanks for that Thrac - here's the view of the Norwich OS

AN UNDERSTRENGTH City Academy side lost their unbeaten run dating back to March. The victors that day were Leicester City and it was the Foxes again that inflicted defeat upon City, 5-0 the scoreline at Belvoir Drive.

Goalkeeper Declan Rudd, defender David Stephens, midfielders Korey Smith, Tom Adeyemi and Luke Daley were in the first team squad and Alex Stephens and Patrick Drmola were missing through injury.

The Canaries came up against a very well organised and determined young Leicester City side and found themselves 3-0 down at half-time.

The three goals were evenly spread throughout the half and all came from crosses, something which manager Ricky Martin would have been very disappointed with, as the back four defended so poorly.

Half-Time: Leicester City 3-0 Norwich City

The started of the second half saw an improvement from City, creating several good chances, but failed to take any to give themselves a lifeline and a route back into the game.

Having weathered the Canaries storm, Leicester put the game to bed with two goals in the latter stages.

Full-Time: Leicester City 5-0 Norwich City

Speaking to canaries.co.uk, Ricky Martin said: "Obviously from the result point of view it was very disappointing but the major concern was how poorly we defended from crosses and our reaction to conceding goals throughout the game. I expect a reaction next week when we play MK Dons at home."

CITY: Steer, Brindley, Gordon, Osemwegie (Ball 66), Dumic, Francomb, Clarke (Nwaogu 46), Habergham, D.Kelly, Oakley, Dawkin. Subs not used: Hewitt (GK), S.Kelly, Roberts.

[Thracian]

By the way, forgot to mention, one famous face I noticed on the touchline today ... Glen Roeder!

Stood there in dark glasses watching the match with a couple of friends.

[davieG]

By the way, forgot to mention, one famous face I noticed on the touchline today ... Glen Roeder!

Stood there in dark glasses watching the match with a couple of friends.

I wonder who he represents now?

[Flynny]

I hope Shlupp makes it in the first team just for his name alone.

[Thracian]

I wonder who he represents now?

He's like the forgotten man of football. Although his mobile phone seemed fairly busy.

[lou]

I hope Shlupp makes it in the first team just for his name alone.

Brilliant report thanks for that! Im kicking myself now for being too lazy to get up and stroll round! Will make the effort next time. Used to watch the academy a lot and always enjoyed it.

[detari74]

Schlupp has been causing quite a storm around the club since he joined the club and has been thought of very highly by the staff at the top. It will be interesting to see if he makes further steps up the Leicester ladder. He will score alot of goals this season but when Yussef learns to pass he will get more! I thought Ollie Norburn had a great game at right back today considering we signed him as a centre midfielder

[Thracian]

I thought Ollie Norburn had a great game at right back today considering we signed him as a centre midfielder

Boulger gave him a right rollicking for failing to attack the ball in one first half incident that almost led to a goal courtesy of Boulger's slip. Who was the giant left-back? They called him George but no-one I asked seemed to know his second name and you wouldn't deem to approach anyone at the club these days.

[detari74]

Bolger gave him a right rollicking for failing to attack the ball in one first half incident that almost led to a goal courtesy of Boulger's slip. Who was the giant left-back? They called him George but no-one I asked seemed to know his second name and you wouldn't deem to approach anyone at the club these days.

It was George Taft, signed from Derby last year. Cian Bolger and Tom Parkes rollick anyone and everyone, and i think you hit the nail on the head he told off Ollie cos Cian made the mistake. Last week Ollie Norburn was amazing at Liverpool and I think he carried it on today.

[Father Ted]

Schlupp is one of the youngest of the aswell I think. Sounds like a real prospect.

It's also exciting to hear that we have 3 quality centre-halfs who also seem to score every week in Bolger, Parkes and Moore.

[Thracian]

It was George Taft, signed from Derby last year. Cian Bolger and Tom Parkes rollick anyone and everyone, and i think you hit the nail on the head he told off Ollie cos Cian made the mistake. Last week Ollie Norburn was amazing at Liverpool and I think he carried it on today.

Thanks for the info.

Everyone around me at today's game was talking about the Liverpool performance. Apparently we stood 10 feet tall and winger Jorrin John was brilliant, nutmegging his marker for fun.

Next up is Arsenal at Belvoir Drive although I'd be taking a chance assuming we'll be allowed to watch.

People ask if football is as important as it was. Of course it is. It's just some of the people running football that I don't care for. Any more than the people running the country.

[lou]

Thanks for the info.

Everyone around me at today's game was talking about the Liverpool performance. Apparently we stood 10 feet tall and winger Jorrin John was brilliant, nutmegging his marker for fun.

Next up is Arsenal at Belvoir Drive although I'd be taking a chance assuming we'll be allowed to watch.

People ask if football is as important as it was. Of course it is. It's just some of the people running football that I don't care for. Any more than the people running the country.

I bet its behind closed doors! Im emailing Peter Jones about this training ground being closed off thing.. Its really pissed me off

[Jimmy]

I bet its behind closed doors! Im emailing Peter Jones about this training ground being closed off thing.. Its really pissed me off

wasn't that something Nigel Pearson introduced, if so there's nothing PJ could do

[davieG]

wasn't that something Nigel Pearson introduced, if so there's nothing PJ could do

That was the training sessions this is an acadwmy game/s which there is talk of excluding fans from.

[Webbo]

I bet its behind closed doors! Im emailing Peter Jones about this training ground being closed off thing.. Its really pissed me off

Can't we all pop round your sister's and look out the back window?

[Thracian]

Can't we all pop round your sister's and look out the back window?

[MPH]

If this had been a boxing match the referee would have stopped it halfway to save Norwich further punishment and then to make enquiries as to who set up such a mismatch.

City won with first half goals by Cian Boulger, Craig King and Elliot Chamberlain followed by second half goals from Ade Yussef and Jeff Schlupp.

Afterwards, I was left wondering how a clash between City's title winning Academy team of three or four years ago and the current team would have ended because today's outfit looked like a test for anyone.

Where the old team of Andy King, Max Gradel and Eric Odhiambo had passing and pace, today's team had speed and power in almost every department and they might easily have scored eight or 10 in this latest Belvoir Drive spectacle.

Red Bull is famous across the nation but, at City, the only bulls being mentioned were our own Yussef and Schlupp.

These two were a treat to watch. Neither looked especially tall compared with the giant defenders who tried to suppress them but they were like a pair of middle-sized Mike Tysons. They absorbed challenges, turned on their toes and their pace off the mark so-often dismantled the Norwich defence.

I've rarely seen anyone turn like Schlupp in youth football and then hit the penalty box so quickly and dangerously.

If he and Yussef, plus atttacking midfielder Craig King, don't make it to the senior ranks then something will be seriously wrong.

City took the lead after about 18 minutes when Craig King delivered a perfect cross from the right corner to centre-back Cian Boulger who had read what was coming and never looked like missing his header from a towering leap.

Unlike the first team there was never any thought of the under 18's sitting back to protect what they had. Although always focused defensively they made light of the headwind and drove forward at every opportunity.

Craig King controlled much of the central action and it was he who plundered City's second goal when he controlled the ball instantly on the edge of the box, turned cleverly to beat the covering defenders and despatched an expert finish into the left-hand corner.

Jorrin John was the next to provide a telling pass, picking out the predatory Elliot Chamberlain who collected the perfect poacher's goal.

City had the ball in the net within seconds of the restart - again through Chamberlain - but his effort was ruled offside and the same player broke clear down the centre only minutes later, this time being foiled by the onrushing Norwich keeper.

Norwich faced an unenviable task trying to subdue the City onslaught and, while their forwards did create a few worthwhile chances and a couple of decent saves from Ambrusics, their defenders might need help to mend the psychological damage of being turned every which way and run to the point of despair.

Leicester scored twice more in the closing quarter. First Yussef fought to win a challenge he'd no right to win on the left touchline. Not only did he ease out his bigger, heavier opponent but his control was impeccable as he turned inside and left the defender like a gazelle would leave a limping tortoise before calmly steering his finish just inside the far post.

Finally a Yussef header put Shlupp through for an easy fifth from close range.

Those last two goals were fitting compensation for the "bull boys" who had worked so tirelessly to create a chololate box of choice chances which they'd squandered with mostly over-excited or over-hit finishing.

Not that this was a two man show in any sense. You could see why Academy boss Jon Rudkin is reported to be so proud of and excited by this team cos it was as good a collective effort as I could have imagined at this stage of the season.

Centre-back Tom Parkes emphasised City's attitude by cajoling his fellow defenders to maintain position and concentration even when victory was long assured.

The giant Viking-lookalike Cian Boulger was a rock before being substituted and his replacement Liam Moore offered no relief to the Norwich forwards, quelling a couple of attacks with the sort of leaps that might make ladders obsolete.

In midfield Craig King was master.

I'd never been convinced by him as a striker but as an attacking central midfielder his energy and awareness took the breath away, at least from this old man!.

Second half his central partner Ben Milnes took a greater share of control and might easily have had a goal himself with a dipping free-kick which flew just too high and another excellent dribble and shot which had to be tipped over the bar.

I won't give player ratings because I'm still unfamiliar with the names and faces of two or three players but suffice to say they would have been high for all the starters and very high for Schlupp, Yussef and King.

Not for the first time in recent years I found myself enjoying watching the less cautious approach of our youth team far more than the seniors.

Apologies for any identification errors in what was an off-the-cuff report.

this is just pure football porn, sir!!

[lou]

Can't we all pop round your sister's and look out the back window?

Her house backs onto the Banks Cricket ground My old house backed onto the City Training ground.

[lou]

wasn't that something Nigel Pearson introduced, if so there's nothing PJ could do

That was the training sessions this is an acadwmy game/s which there is talk of excluding fans from.

I dont suppose he can do much but he can tell me if its true Id hope and I can at least vent my anger.

[C-man]

The public won't get banned from watching the Academy!

[Katy]

By the way, forgot to mention, one famous face I noticed on the touchline today ... Glen Roeder!

Stood there in dark glasses watching the match with a couple of friends.

Haha, yes that was quite surreal.

[leicesterfox86]

If this had been a boxing match the referee would have stopped it halfway to save Norwich further punishment and then to make enquiries as to who set up such a mismatch.

City won with first half goals by Cian Boulger, Craig King and Elliot Chamberlain followed by second half goals from Ade Yussef and Jeff Schlupp.

Afterwards, I was left wondering how a clash between City's title winning Academy team of three or four years ago and the current team would have ended because today's outfit looked like a test for anyone.

Where the old team of Andy King, Max Gradel and Eric Odhiambo had passing and pace, today's team had speed and power in almost every department and they might easily have scored eight or 10 in this latest Belvoir Drive spectacle.

Red Bull is famous across the nation but, at City, the only bulls being mentioned were our own Yussef and Schlupp.

These two were a treat to watch. Neither looked especially tall compared with the giant defenders who tried to suppress them but they were like a pair of middle-sized Mike Tysons. They absorbed challenges, turned on their toes and their pace off the mark so-often dismantled the Norwich defence.

I've rarely seen anyone turn like Schlupp in youth football and then hit the penalty box so quickly and dangerously.

If he and Yussef, plus atttacking midfielder Craig King, don't make it to the senior ranks then something will be seriously wrong.

City took the lead after about 18 minutes when Craig King delivered a perfect cross from the right corner to centre-back Cian Boulger who had read what was coming and never looked like missing his header from a towering leap.

Unlike the first team there was never any thought of the under 18's sitting back to protect what they had. Although always focused defensively they made light of the headwind and drove forward at every opportunity.

Craig King controlled much of the central action and it was he who plundered City's second goal when he controlled the ball instantly on the edge of the box, turned cleverly to beat the covering defenders and despatched an expert finish into the left-hand corner.

Jorrin John was the next to provide a telling pass, picking out the predatory Elliot Chamberlain who collected the perfect poacher's goal.

City had the ball in the net within seconds of the restart - again through Chamberlain - but his effort was ruled offside and the same player broke clear down the centre only minutes later, this time being foiled by the onrushing Norwich keeper.

Norwich faced an unenviable task trying to subdue the City onslaught and, while their forwards did create a few worthwhile chances and a couple of decent saves from Ambrusics, their defenders might need help to mend the psychological damage of being turned every which way and run to the point of despair.

Leicester scored twice more in the closing quarter. First Yussef fought to win a challenge he'd no right to win on the left touchline. Not only did he ease out his bigger, heavier opponent but his control was impeccable as he turned inside and left the defender like a gazelle would leave a limping tortoise before calmly steering his finish just inside the far post.

Finally a Yussef header put Shlupp through for an easy fifth from close range.

Those last two goals were fitting compensation for the "bull boys" who had worked so tirelessly to create a chololate box of choice chances which they'd squandered with mostly over-excited or over-hit finishing.

Not that this was a two man show in any sense. You could see why Academy boss Jon Rudkin is reported to be so proud of and excited by this team cos it was as good a collective effort as I could have imagined at this stage of the season.

Centre-back Tom Parkes emphasised City's attitude by cajoling his fellow defenders to maintain position and concentration even when victory was long assured.

Apart from one slip when turning, the giant Viking-lookalike Cian Boulger was a rock before being substituted and his replacement Liam Moore offered no relief to the Norwich forwards, quelling a couple of attacks with the sort of leaps that might make ladders obsolete.

In midfield Craig King was master.

I'd never been convinced by him as a striker but as an attacking central midfielder his energy and awareness took the breath away, at least from this old man!.

Second half his central partner Ben Milnes took a greater share of control and might easily have had a goal himself with a dipping free-kick which flew just too high and another excellent dribble and shot which had to be tipped over the bar.

I won't give player ratings because I'm still unfamiliar with the names and faces of two or three players but suffice to say they would have been high for all the starters and very high for Schlupp, Yussef and King.

Not for the first time in recent years I found myself enjoying watching the less cautious approach of our youth team far more than the seniors.

Apologies for any identification errors in what was an off-the-cuff report.

Cheers for the report. Very encouraging performance, even if Norwich's youngsters aren't the greatest by the looking of things! How many of these can make their way into the first team this season I wonder?