Norwich U21s bounced back from their irritating defeat against Manchester United with an impressive, ground-out 2-1 away win against Reading on Monday night.

Reading came into the game sitting in 22nd position, having won only once this season, but City started the game poorly and struggled to keep the ball in the game’s opening stages. This allowed Reading to edge the proceedings in the opening ten minutes and Caleb Ansen was tested regularly with shots from range. 

But Ansen was one of Norwich?s standout performers in the game and was reliable in goal, eventually helping his team get over the line. His confidence in claiming and punching crosses was reassuring, especially when Reading loaded bodies into the box. His calmness was vital, and so too was his communication with the outfield players, giving decisive instructions for his teammates to follow. 
With Reading constantly looking to test Ansen’s shot-stopping through multiple long shots, his concentration had to be perfect throughout the encounter. 

Ansel also played his part in the opening Norwich goal, playing an outstanding low-driven pass into midfield to find Finley Welch. Welch then penetrated Reading?s midfield, before laying off a superb pass for Brandon Forbes to smash home. It was Forbes? first goal for the club and his third goal contribution in four games. 

Welch had another spectacular game, especially in the first half. Despite Reading showing naivety from a tactical persp...