Anthony Andreu scored a 23-minute hat-trick to help Norwich City to a thumping 10-0 victory over Hitchin Town in their pre-season clash this evening.
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The Premier League newcomers took the lead after 15 minutes at Top Field when Cameron Jerome produced a crisp half-volley to beat Hitchin keeper Charlie Horlock from inside the box.
The hosts almost came up with an immediate response, however, with Matt Lench only being denied by a fine stop from John Ruddy in the Norwich goal.
Horlock was certainly the busier of the two keepers, though, and he was forced into making a number of saves to keep the score down before the Canaries eventually doubled their advantage through Jerome's second of the night.
Norwich continued to dominate for the remainder of the half and, despite changing their entire team at the break, they picked up where they left off after the restart and soon had a third goal through Andreu.
That strike sparked a flurry of goals for the visitors as they scored six in the space of 23 minutes, with Gary Hooper making it 4-0 from close range just minutes after Andreu's strike.
Wes Hoolahan then converted from the spot following a foul on Jacob Murphy, before Andreu got his second of the game by volleying home Murphy's hanging cross.
Gary O'Neil was the next to get in on the act when he reacted quickest to a loose ball to lash home, while Andreu then completed his quickfire hat-trick with a firm finish from Hoolahan's pass.
The scoring was not over there, however, as the visitors made it nine for the evening with five minutes remaining when O'Neil doubled his personal tally.
Alex Neil's men continued to chase double figures and managed to reach the landmark in the dying stages as Steven Whittaker made it 10-0 with virtually the last kick of the match.
The result means that Norwich have now scored 17 goals and conceded none in their two pre-season ties so far.
Barney Corkhill
