Norwich City held as pre-season run continues with goalless draw
Norwich City’s pre-season preparations hit another stalemate on Wednesday as Philippe Clement’s side were held 0-0 by AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium. The Canaries, now 9th in the Championship with 65 points from 46 games, edged closer to their league opener after Friday’s 1-0 win over St. Gallen.
What happened on the night?
Aron Sasu fired Wimbledon’s first effort over Dan Grimshaw from 30 yards inside 10 minutes, while Norwich’s Paris Maghoma twisted past two defenders before being denied by Joe McDonnell. Matěj Jurásek twice went close for the Canaries-first a curling effort wide of the far post on 22 minutes, then a curled shot from the right channel on 36 minutes that flashed just beyond the top corner.
Late drama arrived in injury time when substitute Zach Baumann forced a smart save from McDonnell after a Botan Ameen cross found the forward six yards out. The hosts responded with a low drive from Antwoine Hackford that Grimshaw palmed away, but neither side could break the deadlock.
Why it matters for Norwich City
Clement shuffled his pack heavily, handing minutes to Amankwah Forson, Jurásek and Bruno Alves among others. The manager’s rotation kept senior figures fresh ahead of the Championship curtain-raiser, with the Canaries now boasting 63 goals scored and a +7 goal difference this season. Their recent run-four losses and a draw in their last five-shows they’re still searching for consistency before the league restarts.
The Cherry Red Records Stadium hosted 3,110 fans, with 1,409 Norwich supporters making the trip south. The draw leaves Clement’s men level on points with sixth-placed Leeds but 30 points adrift of Coventry at the top.
What comes next?
Norwich City return to action on Saturday with a friendly against St. Gallen in Switzerland, fresh from their own 1-0 win over the Canaries. Clement will use the remaining pre-season fixtures to tighten his squad before the Championship opener, with the first league outing awaiting on 9 August against Plymouth Argyle.
