

Norwich City kicked off their pre-season programme in convincing fashion, easing past local non-league side King's Lynn Town with a 2–0 victory at Carrow Road on July 4, 2026. The Championship side controlled the game throughout and never looked troubled by their National League North opponents.
The Canaries took the lead just before the half-hour mark. A sharp passing move on the edge of the box freed Ante Crnac, who slotted calmly past the King's Lynn goalkeeper. Norwich doubled their advantage shortly after the interval when a corner was headed home by defender Shane Duffy. The hosts rang the changes in the second half, giving minutes to a host of academy youngsters, but maintained their dominance without adding to the scoreline.
Match Highlights
- Crnac's Clinical Finish: The Croatian forward showed his quality with a composed left-footed strike inside the area.
- Duffy's Set-Piece Threat: The experienced centre-back rose highest to power home a near-post corner, demonstrating his aerial prowess.
- Youth Integration: Norwich fielded five academy graduates in the second half, a sign of the club’s commitment to developing homegrown talent.
What It Means
For Norwich City boss Johannes Hoff Thorup, this was a solid start to pre-season. The team looked sharp in possession, pressed well without the ball, and kept a clean sheet. King's Lynn, coached by Adam Lakeland, battled hard but were outclassed. The Linnets will face much sterner tests in their own league, but this experience against Championship opposition will have been invaluable for their squad.
Norwich next face a behind-closed-doors friendly against a Bundesliga side, while King's Lynn continue their preparations with a trip to local rivals Peterborough United later in the week.