Following Glenn Roeder’s sacking on Wednesday, Norwich went into this game knowing that three points would be the order of the day. Anything less and the Canaries would be in deep at trouble come full time. It was also good to see Norwich legend Bryan Gunn installed as caretaker manager. Gunn was head of player recruitment under Roeder, and was definitely a popular choice to take charge at Carrow Road.
The atmosphere around Carrow Road was clearly energised following Roeder’s departure, and the first half of the game was a fairly even affair. It was also good to see Jamie Cureton back up front for Norwich. Ironically, Cureton had been on loan to Barnsley up until Wednesday, and went straight back into the starting line-up. Both sides had chances to score, but Norwich looked the more threatening, finishing the half the stronger of the two teams.
When the teams came out for half time, there was a feeling of optimism amongst the home fans, with the feeling that this could be a fresh start for the team this season. However, there was no doubting the fact that a win here would be crucial. It didn’t take long for Norwich to seize the initiative though, and on 54 minutes, the pint-sized Irishman, Wes Hoolahan had put the Canaries in front. The goal may not have been spectacular, but it allowed the home faithful to breathe a sigh of relief.
Norwich were 1-0 up and were now beginning to look far more confident. Jamie Cureton leading the line, was also playing well in his first match back, clearly determined to prove some people wrong, and on 73 minutes he did just that. Cureton drilled the ball past Muller in the Barnsley goal, to put the Canaries 2-0 up, and the supporters in dreamland. Wins have been hard to come by in recent weeks, and to be 2-0 up was almost unbelievable for the watching home supporters. The previous game against Barnsley this season, ended 0-0, and was a dreary affair. This match was anything but, and there was a feel-good atmosphere beginning to develop around the ground for the first time in a long time.
Two goals was a luxury, but on 85 minutes Sammy Clingan had made it three, with a powerful penalty. Matty Pattison had been fouled in the area by Van Homoet, and the man from Northern Ireland made no mistake from twelve yards, putting the result beyond any doubt. The game was now over in terms of the result, but deep into injury time, Darel Russel even managed to add a fourth goal, following a strong showing throughout the course of the game.
Where Norwich go from here is unclear. Bryan Gunn is incredibly popular with the fans, but does he have enough experience as a coach? Some may argue that experience is not everything, and today’s result might prove that. However, one result does not make a season, and Norwich are not out of the woods yet. It’s ten days til Norwich’s next game against Southampton, and it will be interesting to see who is in charge by then, but for now Norwich fans can savour the moment. 4-0, three points and Bryan Gunn at the helm. What a day for Norwich!
Will Sargent.
