CITY'S defence of their Youth Cup crown remains on target but they almost paid the penalty for not killing off their sixth round tie against the Canaries.

Robbie Mak's 20th minute strike was enough to put the Blues through to the semi-finals but they were grateful for a spectacular penalty miss deep into the second half.

With the senior side not in action, a crowd of 3,254 turned up at Eastlands to watch the latest crop of youngsters to come off City's impressive production line.

The Blues dominated the early exchanges and opened the scoring with the real first chance of the match.  Reece Wabara's pass found its way through to Mak, who took the ball past Norwich defender Dario Dumic before neatly slotting the ball home.

City nearly went two up in the 33rd minute when Alex Nimely put Chris Chantler through one-on-one with England youth keeper Declan Rudd but the winger's shot was parried away.

Norwich almost stole an equaliser against the run of play before the break. Danny Kelly got on the end of a long throw but Blues keeper Joe Clegg tipped his header over the bar.

Dumic was lucky to escape a red card for the visitors shortly after the restart. He was booked for a strong challenge on left back Greg Cunningham and two minutes later dragged by Mak as he raced away but only received a stern warning from the referee.

As Norwich looked to snatch a leveller City started to create the better chances.

Mak looked to add his second in the 68th minute but failed to get a shot away as he bore down on Rudd and his checkback to Andrew Tutte was blocked as the midfielder tried to shoot.

And a minute later, Johnbull Omoregie's miscued clearance fell to Mak but he blasted high and wide from eight yards out.

But Norwich were handed a golden opportunity in the 78th minute when they were given a penalty after substitute Omar Elabdellaoui brought down Tom Adeyemi.

And, despite having to be penalty kings to make progress in the previous two rounds, striker Nick Davey blasted the spot kick high over the bar.

Adeyemi went close with a 20-yard volley which landed on the roof of the net five minutes later.

Nimley almost wrapped up the victory for in injury time but Rudd made a smart stop to deny him from 12 yards.

The Boy Blues will now play Arsenal in the two-legged semi-final after the Gunners Youth won  3-1 at Spurs on Thursday night.