After an initial promising start to the season, Norwich appear to have descended into a bad run of form. The team went to Barnsley in fine form, following the 1-0 home win over Sheffield United, but from the outset it was clear that this wasn’t going to be a classic. Oakwell is not a great place to go, and in terms of home support, it was surprisingly quiet. However, over 1000 Norwich supporters had made the trip from Norfolk, and expectations were high for Roeder’s men. Unfortunately, Barnsley vs. Norwich was no classic. Both teams were playing the workmanlike hustle and bustle football that the Championship has become famous for, and aside from the odd Barnsley attack, there was little to shout about. The most decisive moment of the game came early on, when Matty Pattison handled in the area, resulting in a Barnsley penalty. However, the penalty was a poor one, and David Marshall was able to save easily down to his left. As for the rest of the game, it was a case of watching the clock, as neither side was able to create clear-cut opportunities. If Norwich were to have had a school report, it would say “could do better”, but at least an away point was gained.
Up next was Southampton away, and what looked like a good opportunity to regain some momentum, but it was not to be the case. Southampton’s young side were impressive from the outset, and Robertson’s long range effort on 29 minutes summed this up. Norwich on the other hand, have often struggled away from home in recent seasons, and this again seemed to be the case in the first half. However, Norwich began to show some form in the second half, only for Dejan Stefanovic to be given a straight red for foul and abusive language. Not only were Norwich down to ten men, but they had also conceded a penalty, which McGoldrick duly dispatched. From then on, there was no way back for the Canaries, and the game finished up 2-0 to Southhampton.
The Barnsley and Southampton games were indeed disappointing, but the home game against Derby appeared to give Roeder’s men a chance at redemption. Spirits were also lifted, by the loan capture of Reading hit-man Leroy Lita on a month’s loan. This was a surprise to many Norwich fans, as it was only two season’s ago that Lita was scoring goals for fun in the Premier League. Could Norwich have pulled off a big coup in signing Lita? Time would tell, but many fans eagerly awaited his debut at Carrow Road. On a sadder note, it was revealed that former Norwich Midfielder Damien Francis, had been forced to retire from the game, aged just 29. Francis was instrumental in Norwich’s promotion push in the 2003-04 season, and was probably one of our best player’s during the following season in the Premiership. Francis may have left under a cloud the following season, but he must be applauded for his effort whilst playing for Norwich City. I’m sure that most Norwich fans would wish him well in his future away from the game.
In terms of the Derby game, the performance improved, but the team ended up going down 2-1, due to a goalkeeping howler from David Marshall. Norwich started the game badly, giving away a goal to Rob Hulse on 26 minutes, but on 51 minutes, Sammy Clingan, having returned from injury, put away a fine penalty to level the scores. From then on the game appeared to be heading for a draw, but for David Marshall’s lack of judgement on 85 minutes. Derby put an ineffectual long ball forward towards Nathan Ellington, which Adam Drury appeared to have covered, but Marshall ran out of his area and got stuck in no man’s land. From this position, all Ellington had to do was to pass the ball into the net. It was a disappointing end to a game where Norwich appeared to have earned a point.
Next up is Bristol City away on 18th October, and this gap may be just what the team need. With the team in 21st position with ten points from ten games, things need to improve fast. However, the squad now looks stronger than it has been for a while, and one would expect Lita to begin to shine up front.
Will Sargant
