City come through Ahlafors test after late winner; plenty of work ahead though...

Ahlafors IF 1, Norwich City 2

Sat 19 Jul 08

City's pre-season tour of Sweden got off to a winning, but lacklustre start after they narrowly overcame fourth tier outfit Ahlafors IF 2-1 at the Sjovallen stadium.

To be fair, it was a one-sided contest from start to finish but the lack of ticks in the goals for column will give Glenn Roeder cause for concern – even this early in proceedings.

Substitute Korey Smith's cross met the head of fellow bench-warmer Jamie Cureton in the final minute to secure a late, late victory but the sight of Jason Shackell limping off just after half-time will also be a concern to the City management staff.

But in terms of fitness, it was an excellent workout for the Canaries and with their opponents in the middle of their domestic season, they were matched yard for yard in terms of pitch coverage, even if the difference in quality was plain to see.

City sprung a surprise in the starting line-up with French trialist Chris Makiese coming in for a start alongside Chris Martin up front. The 20-year-old Lille striker - who has made a handful of starts for the Ligue 1 outfit in the past two seasons - will be hoping to impress. After all, two striking slots are still up for grabs as August 9 and a date at the Ricoh Arena edges ever nearer.

Today's fixture came a little too early for the two latest additions to the squad, Dejan Stefanovic and Elliot Omosuzi.

The England youth defender, who is expected to challenge Jon Otsemobor for the right-back slot this season, is in Scandinavia training with the squad but Stefanovic is not expected to travel out to join his new team-mates.

Wes Hoolahan – fresh from his stunning debut in the 8-1 thrashing of Gorleston on Wednesday night – was also absent with the thigh problem that forced him off in the latter stages at Emerald Park.

And another senior player, Adam Drury, also failed to make the City squad this afternoon but Roeder revealed afterwards that he is likely to play some part in their second tour game against Falkenbergs FF on Tuesday.

It was, however, a more experienced line-up than the one in midweek, with preparations slowly stepping up a gear and Lee Croft, Mark Fotheringham and Robert Eagle all came in for their first appearances of the summer.

Early on in the match, it was typical pre-season fare, and with the backdrop of a stunning lakeside setting, it took a while for City to find their feet. But after 11 minutes, the tourists had their first chance – and first goal.    Part 2 >>