Going into this game the Canaries lay two points above the relegation zone and were in good form. However, a loss here had the potential to plunge Norwich back into danger. This may not have been a must win game but three points would certainly have been welcome.
Sheffield Wednesday got off to a good start and within nine minutes Luke Varney thought he had scored. Luckily for Norwich though, his effort was ruled off-side and the the home fans could breathe a sigh of relief.
Norwich hit back though and David Mooney had a shot that went into the side netting. Wednesday were enjoying the best of the possession but chances were being produced at both ends and the first half was looking fairly open.
On 18 minutes Norwich could have been awarded a penalty when Richard Wood looked to have handled David Carney’s cross. No penalty was awarded though, and the scores remained deadlocked at 0-0.
On 34 minutes Norwich produced their best chance of the half, off the head of Jason Shackell. Simon Lappin’s corner was met by Shackell, but sadly for him and for the team his effort went straight to Lee Grant in the Owls’ goal.
At half time the score remained level at 0-0 but the signs were that it would not stay like this for long. Both teams were producing chances and each set of fans eagerly awaited the start of the second half.
The second half could not have got off to a worse start for the Canaries, as they went behind on 48 minutes through Jermaine Johnson. The shot was deflected off Jon Otemobor and Norwich now faced an uphill challenge to get anything from the game.
After this the game settled down as Wednesday seemed content to hold onto their lead. Norwich too looked less energetic and they were failing to recapture the energy they had shown in previous matches.
As the game moved on Norwich began to chase the game more and more and Alan Gow almost manage to level the scores. However his effort went just over the bar and Norwich stayed at one nil down.
A few minutes later Norwich had another penalty shout but once again the referee waived away the appeals, to the obvious dismay of Canaries striker David Mooney and the home crowd.
On 84 minutes it looked like Norwich had found an equaliser when Mooney headed home from Alan Lee’s flick on, but once again this was not to be. The effort was chalked off for a foul on the Owls’ keeper and Norwich continued to trail 1-0.
The game had one final twist though, as Wednesday’s Tommy Spurr was sent off for two yellow cards. This gave Norwich a chance to press forward but it was too little too late and the game ended 1-0 to Sheffield Wednesday.
This was a disappointing result for Norwich, particularly considering their recent good form, but the Canaries will have to pick themselves up for a tricky away game in Swansea next Saturday.
Bryan Gunn has five games left to save his team and they will probably need at least two wins to ensure survival. Norwich fans will be hoping that one of these wins comes on Saturday.
