Colchester United edged a cagey pre-season friendly against Norwich City, with the League Two side holding the Championship side to a goalless draw at Colney. Danny Cowley’s team used the game as a physical workout, while Norwich’s Philippe Clement focused on squad minutes rather than style.

What happened in the Norwich 0-0 draw?

Norwich started brightly but the game lacked tempo, with both sides prioritising fitness over flair. Colchester nearly took the lead when trialist Devonte West was fouled in the box, but Dan Grimshaw saved Norwich’s penalty with a sharp dive to his left. Referee Andy Woolmer later spoke to Colchester boss Danny Cowley about a late challenge on Kellen Fisher, but the game stayed deadlocked.

City carried more of the ball but rarely threatened. Mathias Kvistgaarden’s tame effort and Matej Jurasek’s drilled shot wide were the clearest openings in the first half. After the break, Jovon Makama blazed wide before slicing a Lucien Mahovo cross into Row Z. Colchester then missed a late one-on-one, with Norwich’s defence breathing sighs of relief.

Why the low-key result shouldn’t worry Norwich

Philippe Clement admitted pre-season friendlies aren’t about winning silverware. He stressed that City’s focus is building consistency for a nine-month Championship slog, not bursting out of the blocks. Norwich are still assembling their attack, with Andre Brooks, Papa Amadou Diallo, Anis Ben Slimane, Ali Ahmed, Mo Toure and Ante Crnac due to join in the coming weeks. Their return should add fresh combinations and attacking profiles to a frontline still finding its feet.

Vatan Ozcan shines at left-back for Norwich

Norwich’s left-back spot remains under scrutiny after injuries to Lucien Mahovo and Ben Chrisene. That handed academy product Vatan Ozcan his first start of pre-season. Ozcan showed composure on the ball and an exciting base, though he was caught out positionally at times against Kaion Lisbie. Clement will hope the youngster can bridge the gap to senior level as the squad gels.

Colchester, sitting 12th in League Two with 66 points from 46 games, are 21 points behind Bromley and on a two-game winning run. Their last result was a 4-1 demolition of Cheltenham on 2 May 2026, with goals this season totalling 62 while conceding 49 (+13 goal difference).