Norwich City confidently dispatched Gorleston in the first game of their preseason, winning 7-0 at Emerald Park. It was an eagerly anticipated fixture for those who had travelled, with the feel-good factor still reverberating from the play-offs. Outfitted in the new kit, which has controversially split opinion, Norwich City fielded two different XIs across the 90 minutes. While this match-up was largely for the purpose of gaining fitness, Alex Neil will have been pleased with the professional manner in which his players approached the game.
Alex Neil looks on at Emerald Park as City comfortably control the game.
In the first half, Elliott Bennett (left) was utilised in the right-back position, a role that he may well have to accept in order to challenge for first team action. It is of course a more reserved position to his favoured right-midfield/right wing, however with his injury woes of last season he will be eager to be involved in whatever way possible. Reece Hall Johnson (right) also helped out in a three-man defence consisting of Bassong and Turner. Such was City’s dominance, little defending was required.
Vadis Odjidja-Ofoe (left) marked his Norwich City return, scoring in the first half with a composed lob over the Gorleston ‘keeper. Johnny Howson (right) also got on the scoresheet, bagging City’s seventh to round off a professional City performance, albeit against poor quality opposition.
Back in yellow and green: Michael Turner (left) played alongside Sebastien Bassong in the second half having returned from his loan spell with Fulham. His future remains uncertain after a deterioration in his performances which instigated the decision to send him away. He does however have Premier League experience and if he could replicate some of his previous good form he would be a valuable asset. Harry Toffolo (right) has been making a name for himself at Swindon. He was part of the young League One side who broke into the playoffs, only to fail at the final hurdle against Preston. His performances have grasped the attention of England, and he’s regularly featured for the U20s. Here he is in action against Gorleston, playing on the left side of defence.
The main topic of conversation regarding Bradley Johnson‘s appearance vs Gorleston was his ‘man bun’. A modern hairstyle that is often criticised, but I’ve already heard one fan claim ‘he’s the only person who can get away with it’. Clearly Bradley Johnson is nigh untouchable after an incredible campaign last season. Meanwhile Gary O’Neil played in the second half, shoring up the midfield alongside Johnson.
Brothers in arms: Both Murphy twins made appearances for City in this fixture. Josh Murphy (right), who has largely been the favoured option, missed a golden opportunity to score when he lofted the ball over the ‘keeper, and over the net. Jacob Murphy (left) came on in the second half and assisted Lewis Grabban for City’s sixth.
City youngster Reece Hall Johnson battles with Gorleston’s Lee Roots.
Having conceded five in the first half, I can’t imagine the Gorleston defence was pleased when Gary Hooper and Lewis Grabban come on at the break. Grabban (right) scored Norwich’s sixth of the day while Hooper (left) served as the creator for Howson to seal the seventh.
Harry Toffolo is pressured by Ally McKenna.
Alex Neil barks instructions from the sidelines.
All images accredited to Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
