Chadwick tops up fitness in stalemate

Leyton Orient Res 0, Norwich City Res 0

Canaries youngsters Matt Halliday and Alvin Quaye ensured that at least one member of the Drogba family wasn't on the goal trail.

The City central defenders kept Joel Drogba, 20-year-old brother of Chelsea star Didier, quiet in his first appearance of a trial period in front of Orient boss Martin Ling.

“They dealt with him very well,” said Academy boss Ricky Martin, who is taking care of reserve team matters. “It was arguably his strike partner who gave them more problems.

“He's a big lad, strong and powerful, but clearly he's technically not as gifted as his brother.”

Luke Chadwick, who has had just two second-half substitute appearances since last November because of injury, came through the full 90 minutes with no ill effects, but apart from the midfielder, it was a young City side which ran out at Brisbane Road against an Orient side featuring former Canaries midfielder Phil Mulryne.

However, their hopes of following up their impressive derby win over leaders Ipswich last month with another Pontins Holiday Combination victory were scuppered by the windy conditions.

“We had the wind with us in the first half and had more pressure, but because of the windy conditions and the bumpy ground it was hard to create cutting chances,” said Martin. “First time balls and balls in behind the defence had to be more reserved and sometimes you needed more touches and it slowed it all down.”

Defender Michael Spillane went close from a cross but City had to withstand Orient pressure early in the second half before re-establishing themselves.

“It was a good reaction from the young boys to get us back in control of the game, but it was all in the first two-thirds, there wasn't enough in the final third,” added Martin.

t Norwich: Arnold, Miller, Halliday, Quaye, Lathrope, Chadwick, Spillane, Bexfield, Smart, Muddel, Eagle. Subs not used: Eames, Daley, O'Toole.