Norwich travelled to Birmingham in good form. The Canaries had won their last two matches against Cardiff and Plymouth without conceding a goal, but Birmingham were unbeaten in their last four games and this was always going to be a tough game.
There’s no doubt that St. Andrews is a Premiership ground, and the Blues will probably be in the top league next season, but it was the visitors who started the game brightest.
Within two minutes Norwich nearly had the ball in the net, following a Sammy Clingan corner. Alan Lee, making his debut on loan from Crystal Palace, just putting the ball over the bar.
This was encouraging stuff from the Canaries, and it was not long before Lee had the ball in the back of the net. However, this effort was chalked off for off-side and the scores remained level at 1-1.
Norwich were dominating the early part of the game, and continued to create chances with Lee often involved. Alan Gow too was looking lively, and he should have converted a good chance at Maik Taylor’s far post.
This game also saw the long-awaited comeback of Simon Lappin in midfield. Lappin had been exiled from the first team under Glenn Roeder, but an injury to Wes Hoolahan cleared the way for his return.
Lappin had a strong first half, putting in some good tackles and providing some neat passes to set up Norwich attacks. The Scot clearly had a point to prove, and put in a fine first half display.
On 35 minutes Birmingham began to impose themselves on the game and Hameur Bouazza produced a decent header. However, David Marshall was equal to the effort and was able to catch safely from the Algerian.
Norwich should have taken this as a warning shot, but three minutes later Birmingham had gone ahead through the former Cardiff man, Cameron Jerome.
The ball was played long through the air and it looked as if Marshall had it covered, but Jerome’s tough challenge was enough to put the keeper off and Jerome was able to dink the ball in.
Bryan Gunn was left fuming at what he thought was a foul on his goal-keeper, but at half time the scoreline read 1-0 to Birmingham. This was not the start that Norwich needed in their quest for survival.
The second half began on a more even footing, but Norwich were continuing to play well, despite Birmingham’s increased share of possession. This resulted in both sides creating chances.
Gow was once again in the thick of it, as his shot was saved by Taylor, but Bouazza also came close with a header from a Sebastien Larsson free-kick.
On 53 minutes the scores were level at 1-1, when Sammly Clingan curled in an excellent free-kick from 25 yards. The Norwich fans went wild, and there was nothing that Taylor in the Birmingham goal could have done.
The game was now finely poised, and it was Norwich who looked the more likely team to score. The Canaries flooded forward, and continued to create scoring opportunities.
There was cause for concern in the Birmingham box when Taylor was involved with a mix-up with Ridgewell, but David Mooney just missed out on scoring the third goal of his City career.
Norwich dominated most of the game so far, but had only scored one goal. This meant a nervy final few minutes for the Canaries, as the home team pressed forward in an effort to win the game.
The introduction of Kevin Phillips and Scott Sinclair made a difference, and Marshall was forced to tip the ball over from a Phillips header. It was also clear, that up-front Alan Lee was tiring, so the final whistle could not come quick enough.
Norwich’s defence held firm and the game ended 1-1. This was a game that Norwich will have been disappointed not to have won, but a point here is still a good result.
A few games ago, nobody would have envisaged Norwich coming away from St. Andrews with a draw, and today it could well have been three.
This was a fine performance from the Canaries, but it will have to be matched in the next game at home to Sheffield Wednesday. Norwich are not out of trouble just yet.
Will Sargent.
