Match Reports

Emmerson hat-trick too much for Canaries

Albion under-18s defeat Norwich City 3-1 at the American Express Elite Football Performance Centre.

By Charlie Hanson • 14 September 2021

By Paul Hazlewood
Zak Emmerson's first half hat-trick put Albion in control against Norwich.

A first-half Zak Emmerson hat-trick saw Albion under-18s secure their second win of the Premier League South campaign on Saturday.

The former Oldham Athletic forward opened the scoring on 15 minutes when he produced a smart finish at the near post from Samy Chouchane’s corner, before adding to his tally three minutes later when he had a relatively simple finish from Bailey Smith’s unselfish cutback.

Emmerson rounded off his hat-trick just before half-time after Jake Gee’s lovely turn and pass sent him through on goal, and he made no mistake with a powerful finish at the near post.

By Paul Hazlewood
Samy Chouchane setup Albion's opening goal, finding Zak Emmerson from a corner.

Norwich responded four minutes after the restart from the penalty spot when Kenny Coker’s effort from 12 yards squirmed under Hugo Fisher.

The odds tipped in the Canaries’ favour even further in the 60th minute when Ben Jackson was sent off for a foul as the last man, but Albion showed their mettle to see out the result.

Albion sit sixth in Premier League South, with seven points from their opening four games.

Professional development phase coach James Baxter said, “First half we were very good, Zak [Emmerson] is in a real purple patch at the moment which is pleasing – his record so far this season is fantastic.

“We showed a real clinical edge. Out of possession we were very good and disciplined and we went in at the break quite comfortable.

“In the second half we stopped doing the things we did so well in the first and that led to us giving away a soft penalty – after that Norwich had their tails up. Going down to ten men and not conceding was very impressive and that experience of being a man down with a lead to protect is invaluable.

“It was a fantastic learning curve for them. It’s something that will happen to them throughout their career, and they showed a real determination to see the result out.”