After Tuesday night’s terrific 5-2 drubbing of Wolves, expectations at Carrow Road had understandably risen amongst supporters. Had Norwich’s new team finally clicked? It was hoped that we would find out the answer in Saturday’s home game against Doncaster. Another talking point was the form of Leroy Lita. After a couple of indifferent displays Lita had really got into top gear against Wolves, with the on-loan striker bagging his first hat-trick for the Canaries.
Soon after the Saturday’s kick-off, it was clear that Norwich weren’t going to have as good a day as against Wolves, but hopes were still high for a home win. However, on 27 minutes Dejan Stefanovic hauled down Rovers’ Jason Price to gift the visitors a penalty. Brian Stock duly dispatched the spot-kick and thoughts of “here we go again” must have gone through Norwich supporters’ minds. Over the last few seasons inconsistency had been arguably Norwich’s biggest weakness, and it would have been typical for a good win to be followed by a tame loss to lesser opposition. Norwich did not look at the races at this stage of the game, and there would have been a few bitten nails around the ground by half time.
The worries continued throughout the second half, but one thing that can be said about Roeder’s men is that they don’t give up. They may sometimes lack quality, but on 83 minutes Norwich got their break. Sammy Clingan fired in a shot that appeared to be well off-target, but somehow Antoine Sibierski managed to twist and turn enough to redirect the shot, and equalise with a fine header. The Norwich fans went wild, and suddenly there was a feeling that Norwich could win a game that earlier it seemed they may lose.
Deep into injury time, Leroy Lita closed the deal, firing home after a neat through ball from Antoine Sibierski. I have in the past been critical of Sibierski’s work-rate but when the big-man is given time on the ball he does do damage. Doncaster gave Sibierski far too much space in this game, and the result was two goals for Norwich. As for Leroy Lita, his one month loan spell will soon be over, and Glenn Roeder has expressed his wish to extend the deal. Let’s hope some business can be done between Reading and Norwich before Steve Coppell remembers just how good Lita is.
Next up is a tricky away game at Derby. Three wins in a row would be extremely welcome, and for once it is a real possibility.
Will Sargent.
