Errol Mundle-Smith's late winner saw Norwich City U21s kickstart their Premier League International Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague at Carrow Road.
Finley Welch gave the Canaries the lead inside the opening 14 minutes when he tapped home from Mundle-Smith's cross.
Sparta thought they'd nicked a point late on when substitute Ondrej Penxa swept home after Lucas Saal stole possession from City, but Mundle-Smith's late strike ensured City recorded three precious points in Group C.
Alan Neilson was afforded a strong squad of players for selection with Liverpool loanee Kaide Gordon handed minutes from the start.
Gabe Forsyth, who made his Championship debut with City earlier this season, also started alongside a defence that included Archie Mair, Jaden Warner, Brad Hills and Jonathan Tomkinson.
The first opportunity of the evening fell to Sparta when Daniel Michl collected Vojtech Hranos' cutback but dragged his effort off target.
City took the lead after a free-slowing move saw Gordon slot Mundle-Smith through on the right flank. Welch latched onto his pitch-perfect low delivery ahead of the recovering defender Vojtech Novak to tap in for the evening's opener.
Norwich were pushing for a second thereafter, but a long ball forward allowed Michl to gallop in behind Jaden Warner. His low drive was saved well by Archie Mair to prevent a quick risposte from the Czech side.
An excellent spin from Gordon to evade L Penxa saw the Liverpool loanee race to the byline before cutting the ball back. Elliot Myles slipped as he sought to connect with the cross before a sea of Sparta defenders blocked Forsyth's follow-up.
City had keeper Archie Mair to thank for preserving their lead heading into the break after Mundle-Smith failed to collect a forward pass. That allowed Uhrincat to push the ball to Hynek Hruska and his swerving effort from range was beaten away smartly by the Scottish youth international.
Gordon was withdrawn at the interval as part of a pre-planned change that saw Adian Manning replace him.
Sparta went close to an equaliser inside the opening three minutes of the second half when Michl played Hruska through on goal. Hills defended well to nudge him off balance as he pulled the trigger, with his shot trickling wide of the post.
City went close to doubling their advantage after the break when a good spell of football against an intense press led to Lucien Mahovo driving infield. That opened up space for Welch on the left and his cross was glanced just wide by Mundle-Smith.
Mundle-Smith had another opening just after the hour mark when Warner sent him clear on the left wing. He darted inside and shot towards the near post, but Tobias Soucek was equal to the effort.
Mahovo's progressive passing caused Sparta problems all evening and sparked a moment of nervousness amongst the visitors when Welch latched onto a through ball ahead of Soucek. The recovering defenders prevented the keeper from seeing red. Myles whipped the resulting free-kick over the bar.
Sparta equalised seven minutes from time when City were caught in possession by substitute Lukas Saal. He quickly found Michl who turned and laid off O Penxa to apply the equaliser with confidence.
City responded on the 87th minute, when Djedje profited from a loose ball from Sparta and played Mundle-Smith in behind. The striker was rewarded for his perseverance by rolling the ball beyond Soucek and into the net for a late winner.
Norwich City U21s (4-3-3): Mair; Tomkinson, Hills, Warner, Mahovo; Djedje, Welch (Roberts, 90+1), Myles (Okwumo, 90+1); Gordon (Manning, 46), Forsyth; Mundle-Smith. Subs not used: Finch (GK), Wilson, Doy
Goals: Welch (14), Mundle-Smith (87)
Bookings: Tomkinson (58), Forsyth (79), Hills (90+5)
Sparta Prague U21s (3-4-3): Soucek; Rebibo, Uhrincat (Vecerka, 46), Jedlicka; Novak (Hodous, 46), Horak (c - Tosnar, 46), Feit (Saal, 82), L Penxa; Hranos, Hruska (O Penxa, 73); Michl. Subs not used: Nalezinek (GK)
Goals: O Penxa (83)
Bookings: Soucek (63), Jedlicka (63), Tonsar (85)
Added minutes: 2 mins/5 mins
Referee: Harrison Blair
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel