Norwich draw at home to Preston

November 9, 2008

After two straight defeats, first at Derby at then Burnley, Norwich needed to start picking up points again. Preston were only four points above the Canaries, and it was hoped that Saturday’s home game would yield a welcome three points. Norwich were in danger of falling into a slump and this needed to change quickly.

The game couldn’t have started any worse with Norwich falling behind after just two minutes. What made this even harder to take, was that a former Norwich player Chris Brown, was the man on the score sheet. When Roeder arrived at Norwich, he began something of a player cull, the lanky striker Brown becoming one of the first victims. Brown’s work-rate was never in doubt during his time at Norwich, but he often appeared to lack quality in front of goal. So when Brown scored so early on it was particularly galling for the home fans. The goal was also a particularly poor one to concede, it having resulted from a mix up straight from the kick-off.

Despite the early setback, Norwich rallied and the rest of the first half saw a much improved performance from that seen at Burnley (although it couldn’t have got much worse). Norwich’s work-rate was pretty good and the input of David Bell, making his home debut, was particularly pleasing. Bell was signed in the close-season but an ankle injury has forced him to sit out the first part of the season. He looks to be a good player, and his delivery into the box is definitely something that Norwich have been missing in recent weeks.

Norwich’s equalizer came on fourteen minutes, with Leroy Lita grabbing a neat header from close in, and from then on it looked like Norwich would push on. However, Norwich had to wait until 62 minutes until they took the lead. The goal was headed home by John Kennedy, after an excellent delivery from David Bell. After that it should have been all over, but Norwich as they have often done this season, wasted far too many chances.

With ten minutes to go, it looked as if the game should have been dead and buried for Norwich, but with the score at 2-1, Darel Russell was sent-off for raising his hands. This was a big blow for Norwich. Russell as the Captain of the team should have known better, and his dismissal set up a nervy final ten minutes.

Perhaps predictably, Preston equalized only a minute later and the Norwich fans prayed for a draw. The prayers paid off and the game finished 2-1 to Norwich. This was a game that Norwich should have won, but once again the team were left to rue a succession of missed chances. There were also injury concerns, with Stefanovic and Sibierski both having to leave the field early, Stefanovic after only eight minutes. The extent of their injuries is unclear, but it is likely that at least one of them will have to sit out the next game.

Up next is Swansea at home on the 15th, and a game that Norwich need to win. The Canaries lie only two points above the relegation places so a loss could see them fall into another relegation scrap. Thing’s can only get better though!

Will Sargent.

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