Port Vale's run in the FA Youth Cup came to an unfortunate end, as they were defeated 3-2 by Norwich City at Vale Park.
After a quiet first half with very few chances on show for either team, the second half provided a thrilling game of football.
It was Norwich City who took the lead in fantastic style 20 minutes into the second half. After failing to take the lead minutes before with a great chance, Saul Milovanovic showed everyone how to take a chance with a stunning goal. The young midfielder picked the ball up from 30 yards out, and curled it beautifully into the top corner to put the Canaries ahead.
As Vale looked to respond through the likes of Lucas Green-Birch who looked bright throughout the game, Norwich quickly doubled their lead to really set back the Valiants. The Canaries broke well on the counter attack and Vale failed to pick up Ethen Vaughan who was left unmarked inside the box. Vaughan was found with ease and tucked the ball away to make life even more difficult for the home side.
Despite the quick flash of goals from the visitors, the young Valiants on the pitch deserve credit for the character they were about to show. With just nine minutes remaining, Vale pulled one back to really make it a nervous final few moments in the game.
Jack Wakefields deep corner was met at the back post by defender Finley Jackson, who just managed to squeeze the ball past the goalkeeper to give the Valiants some hope. The goal really put Norwich on the back foot, and looked stunned when Vale equalised moments later.
A well worked free kick straight off the training ground was played into the box by Wakefield which seemed to totally confuse the Norwich defence. An arrowed pass found Max Beeston who fired the ball into the back of the net to give the Vale hope of progressing through to the next round.
Despite the excellent fightback and attitude shown, Vale found themselves behind yet again just a minute later. Norwich worked the ball forward well through the midfield and won themselves a corner, which was fired in with plenty of pace and whip and somehow found itself in the back of the net. Late heartbreak for the Vale, who had gave themselves a real fighting chance in the final 10 minutes. They will face Preston North End at home at the weekend as they looked to bounce back from the defeat.