City Reserves came away from the impressive, yet unfinished, MK Stadium with their 100pc record intact after a narrow win.

Pontins Holiday Combination

City Reserves came away from the impressive, yet unfinished, MK Stadium with their 100pc record intact after a narrow win.

Coach Ricky Martin named an experienced team that included Lee Croft and Peter Grant's latest Scottish acquisition Ian Murray. David Strihavka and Chris Martin led the City line and it was these two who created the Canaries' first opening but Strihavka's pullback for Martin fell somewhat short.

The Dons created a couple of early chances, the best falling to defender Sam Page but his header was easily saved by Matthew Gilks, whose quick distribution was a feature of City's game.

Rossi Jarvis seemed to be relishing his role in central midfield and he was well-placed to deny Stephane Koffi a shot on goal as the home side finished the half on top. There was still time, however, for City to create the best chance of the game so far when, after some good work involving Jarvis and Croft, Strihavka saw his effort hit the crossbar.

City had to wait just 60 seconds after the interval to break the deadlock when Jarvis climbed above the Dons' defence to head home a Croft cross. MK might have hit back almost at once but Koffi was guilty of sending a free header wide.

City were having a better half, with Bally Smart going close, while Nathan Abbey denied Croft with a good save.

The home side equalised on 71 minutes against the run of play, when Gilks could only palm a low cross at the feet of Koffi who fired home. Nine minutes later City were back in front when a Martin shot was handled in the area, allowing Michael Spillane to convert the spot-kick. City might have had a third when, in stoppage time, Smart hit the crossbar.

t MK Dons Res: Abbey, Mitchell-Coop, Page, Kelly, Murphy (Thorne 11), Carbon, Carayol, Shuter (King 61), Koffi, Powell (Chicksen 45), Collins. Subs not used: Walker, Delderfield.

t Norwich City Res: Gilks, Cave-Brown (Matthews 70), Eagle, Jarvis, Halliday, Spillane, Croft, Murray, Strihavka (Renton 83) Martin, (Lathrope 86), Smart. Subs not used: Arnold and McLean, Attendance 556.