WHAT HAPPENED
Folarin Balogun hit a hat-trick on Saturday afternoon as we ran out convincing 6-2 winners over Norwich City in the U-18 Premier League.
Ken Gillard’s side have made a real habit of scoring early over recent weeks - and this game was no different.
Tyreece John-Jules created a yard of space on the halfway line and spotted the darting run of Balogun, before playing an inch-perfect pass behind the Canaries’ defence, allowing the 17-year-old to fire into the bottom left corner.
Shortly after Balogun doubled our advantage with a first-time finish, before Sam Greenwood was fouled inside the area following some tidy footwork. John-Jules made no mistake from the spot for his 11th goal of the season across all competitions.
Our high pressing continued to cause the Canaries all sorts of trouble, as they were unable to build from the back - and in the 35th minute Balogun completed his hat-trick after Matt Smith regained possession deep into the visitors’ half.
The 17-year-old forward has now scored 16 goals in the U-18 PL this season.
Following the break, Norwich pulled one back when Harry Clarke inadvertently bundled the ball into his own net from a low cross.
But the visitors’ hopes of a comeback were quickly ended when Balogun beat his marker and picked out Trae Coyle, who fired home from close range for the third consecutive game.
Greenwood then went on to make it six with a low drive from the edge of the area, before Thomas Dickson-Peters scored a late consolation goal from the spot.
WHAT IT MEANS
WHAT’S NEXT
Our next game is against West Ham United in the U-18 PL on Saturday, March 16.
The game will take place at little Heath Sports Centre with kick-off at 11am (UK time).
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