DESPITE their 2-1 victory against Southend at Carrow Road, Reserve Team Manager Paul Stephenson says he was disappointed more goals didn't come the Canaries' way.

With a squad featuring City first team players Jamie Cureton, Arturo Lupoli and Wes Hoolahan, Stephenson said the team had missed opportunities during the game.

He said: "I was disappointed early in the second half when we had chances to really kill them off and to go 3-0 up, and then even at 2-1 we could have gone 3-1 or 4-1. I just said to the boys that football on the big pitch isn't like the Playstation - you don't go past everybody and walk it in the net, you have to actually shoot to score.

"We got ourselves in some fantastic positions to shoot and work their 'keeper and pass it in the net, but we didn't. They worked ever so hard so I couldn't fault their effort."

Speaking after the match, Stephenson was asked why he had chosen to feature Cureton, Lupoli and Hoolahan. "They needed fitness and they need games if they're going to sharpen their talents," added the manager. "You need to be playing competitive matches, I mean we do play 11 v 11 at Colney but there's not the same edge to someone else coming here. They (Southend) had a real bee in their bonnet and they came here to win, and that just gives you a different type of pressure to play under and it's great.

"It's good for the younger players as well playing with more experienced players, so it's good all round. I was pleased with Jamie's work-rate and his effort and he laid on some good opportunities for other people. Yes, strikers want to score but if you can't score, you have to set someone up with a chance and I thought he did.

"He did create chances and he was unlucky not to get on the end of a cross from Arturo (Lupoli) which was just hit a bit too hard and I think he might have scored. Sometimes it just doesn't go for you and it's not going for him at the moment but it will turn."

Both young City 'keepers Declan Rudd and Jed Steer featured in the game. Stephenson commented: "I was pleased with Declan, I thought he was excellent. He had no chance with the goal, it was struck right into the top corner and he made two or three great saves in the first half, and it enabled us to go in with a lead.

"Both Jed and Declan played their part, Jed made some great saves and they're both top 'keepers and they're both doing really well for their age. They've got to continue to do that and it's great experience for them to come here to play at Carrow Road."