JOHN Akinde made a convincing case for inclusion in Bristol City's squad to face Championship rivals Norwich on Saturday.

City's summer signing from Ebbsfleet made one goal and scored another as a reserve side packed with £4 million of talent saw off Blue Square Premier opponents Salisbury 5-2 in this totesport.com Combination fixture at Ashton Gate.

Although watching manager Gary Johnson may not feel inclined to include Akinde from the start as he did at Sheffield United last week, he will nevertheless have noted the youngster's incisive contribution against the Whites.

Akinde helped his cause no end when holding off two defenders to net City's second goal shortly before half-time and then won the penalty from which Lee Trundle put the Robins 3-1 ahead after 52 minutes.

Manager Johnson named a line-up which boasted a combined total of 42 first team starts this season, challenging his senior players to prove they are worth a place against Norwich. And he was given a good deal of food for thought as Trundle, Gavin Williams and David Noble all caught the eye.

Noble was especially impressive, demonstrating his range of passing and topping off a dominant display with an outstanding 30-yard strike to register City's fourth goal 12 minutes from the end.

Andy Webster opened the scoring on 10 minutes. But Salisbury were level four minutes later, Robbie Sinclair seizing upon Webster's slip to beat keeper Chris Weale with a rising shot which took a deflection off Jamie McCombe's right boot.

Akinde restored City's lead seven minutes before the interval and Trundle extended the home side's advantage from the penalty spot.

Robbie Matthews pulled a goal back from the spot after substitute Ivan Sproule had tripped Jon Davies.

Noble hit the fourth before substitute Tristan Plummer, back from a loan spell at Luton, displayed quick feet to add a fifth in injury time.