It has been a tough season for the Canaries, but a win here had the potential to lift the team out of the relegation zone. This would by no means secure survival, but would surely provide a mental boost going into the final few games of the campaign.
Momentum is key in football, and this season it has been distinctly lacking for Norwich. Far too often a good win has been followed up with a disappointing defeat. Against Plymouth this had to change, or the threat of relegation would get harder to escape from.
Norwich started the first half reasonably well and were able to hold onto the lion’s share of possession. However, this does not always guarantee goals and Norwich knew they had to make this possession tell.
Norwich’s first chance came through Sammy Clingan. He fired in a low shot from outside the area, but it was saved comfortably by Roman Larrieu in the Plymouth goal. It was good to see Norwich having a go though, and the win over Cardiff had clearly given the team confidence.
On 25 minutes Norwich produced an even better chance. David Mooney, found Wes Hoolahan who then slipped the ball through to Alan Gow. However, the shot went wide and the scores remained level. This was neat play from the home side though, and it was another sign of a team playing with confidence.
Norwich fans would have also been pleased to see Gow and Mooney involved in this move. Both players were signed under Bryan Gunn and have recently really looked the part. These two players could be crucial to Norwich’s survival hopes.
Just before the break Norwich had another chance to go ahead through Mooney. Lee Croft fired in a cross that Mooney nearly managed to reach, but he just missed out and the ball went safe. Mooney looked impressive in the first half, and looks to be a good signing.
At half time Norwich had clearly dominated the game so far, but worringly for the home fans, this had not yet resulted in a goal. It seemed as if this was Norwich’s game to win, so much was expected from the Canaries in the second half. Half time score, 0-0.
Almost predictably Plymouth had an early chance to go ahead, through a long range strike from Jamie Mackie; but David Marshall in the Norwich goal was alert, and managed to keep the shot out. The home fans breathed a sigh of relief.
Following this early chance, the momentum swung back to Norwich and they contnued to apply pressure to the Plymouth defence. The breakthrough came on 53 minutes, and the scorer was once again David Mooney, on-loan from Reading.
Sammy Clingan’s corner went to Gary Doherty who headed across the goal towards the waiting Mooney. The Irishman did not hesitate and dispatched his header into the Plymouth net. 1-0 to Norwich. This was a fair result by this stage of the game, with Norwich having enjoyed most of the possession.
Despite going ahead Norwich kept playing and continued to press forward, leading to chances for Jon Otsemobor, Lee Croft and Mooney. However, none of these chances were converted and the score remained at 1-0, a dangerous scoreline for a team desperate for a win.
There was further cause for concern when the Canaries were reduced to ten men on the stroke of 90 minutes. Darel Russell was given a second yellow card for a foul on Karl Duguid, setting up a nervy last few minutes. The dismissal may have been harsh on Russell, but there was nothing Norwich could do.
The fans may have been concerned, but Norwich held on to record a 1-0 win and back to back victories at home. Norwich are finally beginning to show the fight needed to escape relegation, but this must continue against Birmingham at St. Andrews on Saturday.
Birmingham will be a much better side than Plymouth but Norwich are beginning to look like a good team as well. The psychological boost of getting out of the bottom three should not be underestimated, and Norwich should be fired up come three o’clock on Saturday afternoon.
Will Sargent.
