Let\’s be \’Avin You

Whilst we have a few youngsters punching above their weight in the first team at present, it should be pointed out just how well those waiting in the wings are doing.

Yesterday, our under 18’s took on Arsenal at Bell Lane. Both sides were level on points at the top, with the Gunners claiming top spot through goal difference alone. (more…)

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I actually didn’t mention it in my match report yesterday, but it didn’t go unnoticed to me or other City fans that we only had four substitutes on the bench last night. (The JPT allowing five, not seven as in the league.)

It turns out the reason for us not having a full quota of subs available was down to the disappearance of ‘keeper Michael Theoklitos, who failed to turn up in time to catch the bus down to Kent.

        Catch me if you can…..

Lambert has made it crystal clear that Theoklitos will be disciplined by the club on his return to Norfolk, (quite right too) and that not only has Theoklitos let himself down, but the club, players and fans too.

I can’t say I’d want to be on the receiving of Paul Lambert. Whilst quiet and unassuming in his interviews, I would imagine behind closed doors he’s not afraid to put players in their place. Matt Lockwood certainly didn’t see eye-to-eye with Lambert during his Colchester reign – Lambert banished him from first team duties and made him train with the kids (a la Roeder/Lappin) Lockwood went so far as to say Lambert ‘bullied’ him and warned that any player on the fringes would do well to watch his back.

So – Theoklitos out on loan before the weeks out anyone??….

As much as Lambert might be tempted, we are in a crazy position of having only one ‘keeper available for this weekend’s trip to Carlisle. Rudd is away with England under 19’s; Jed Steer is nursing a hand injury. That leaves only Theoklitos. Lambert may rush out and get a ‘keeper in on an emergency loan or failing that, Cody McDonald might have to show his versatility should, god forbid, Forster pick up an injury against Carlisle. (Let’s face it, he’d probably do a good job too…)

Despite out shortcomings in goal, I wouldn’t be surprised to see only six subs on the bench instead of seven on Saturday. It’s a risk…but then so is relying on Theoklitos is would seem.

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GILLINGHAM   1    NORWICH CITY  1   

Date: 26th September Venue: Priestfield Stadium K.O 3pm

(Goals: Gillingham Jackson pen 36; Norwich Russell 90+3,4,5??)

Well thank goodness for injury time, that’s what I say! Stop all this nonsense about abolishing it, or bringing in another official to monitor extra minutes; let the referee do what he’s gotta do!

Ok, so I might not agree when it conspires against us, but yesterday it was the least we deserved. Having played the best part of 60 minutes with ten man, after ‘keeper Fraser Forster was sent off, (more on that later) we deserved a bit of luck, and scored a dramatic equaliser in added on time for the second week in a row. Never a dull moment being a City fan hey! Precisely when we scored is still up for debate – I’ve read 94th, 96th and 97 th minute…but does it matter? Nah!!….

MATCH FACTS

City started with the same eleven that took the field against Charlton last Saturday, the only changes being on the bench - a welcome return for Stephen Hughes after he recovered from the foot injury that saw him miss out against Charlton, and in kit - City were wearing their white away kit for the first time this season.

First Half

We started brightly…the early exchanges seeing us well on top. Hoolahan and Daley were looking busy up front and City were unlucky not to get a penalty, after Gowling appeared to handball in the area after a header from that man, Holt.

The signs were encouraging…until the 32nd minute, when Fraser Forster was adjudged to have fouled Curtis Weston in the box, as he raced through on goal following good work by Simeon Jackson. As well as pointing to the spot, referee Paul Taylor produced a red card – Forster looked shocked at the punishment – but it left City a man down and facing an uphill battle. Forster’s exit allowed Declan Rudd to make his first senior appearance, but meant the unfortunate end to Luke Daley’s afternoon.

Was it a penalty, wasn’t it? Well, it’s not the first time we’ve asked that this season, and I doubt it will be the last. It was hard to tell from the one replay I’ve seen. Forster’s reaction suggested contact was minimal, but then you see them given time and time again. (Just not to us of course…..) Only the two players involved will know what happened, although Paul Taylor seemed in little doubt and the penalty was given. End of.

Speaking of Mr Taylor, he may well ring a bell amongst City fans. Remember him? Yes – he was the guy that sent off both Gary Doherty and Darel Russell against Coventry some 18 months ago, and who sent off Russell again against Preston at Carrow Road last season. Not a fan then of the boys in yellow then, although it was something of a footballing quirk, that saw Rusty eventually bag the equaliser deep into added time.

Back to the action and Declan Rudd’s first job on his debut was to pick the ball out of the net, after he was given no chance by the penalty. A man down, a goal down; I’ll admit I feared the worse – here we go again, making life hard for ourselves….yes, that was me, moaning away to anyone that would listen. (Which as usually was no-one.)

Jon Otsemobor picked up in injury towards half time, (not that I was overly bothered by that - oh I’m harsh aren’t I!) and that allowed Hughes to join the fray. Korey Smith reverted to the unfamiliar position of right-back, but City headed into the break some what disheartened after such an encouraging opening half hour.

Second Half

Unsurprisingly, Gillingham started the second half intent on making the most of their one man advantage, coming close on several occasions. They will rue the fact that despite having chances to increase their lead, they didn’t, although that was largely thanks to Declan Rudd, who made three inspired saves in the second half  to keep the Canaries in with a fighting chance; and poor finishing on Gillingham’s part.

City’s final change of the afternoon came mid-way through the second half, with Cody McDonald coming on for Korey Smith; the change meaning Lappin ended up as centre half, alongside Askou. What next, up front? It’s the only position Lappin hasn’t played I think…oh and in goal of course. At this rate he’ll be understudy to Declan Rudd for the next game. (Well, if it means it keeps Theoklitos out then will it be such a bad thing??)

City were clinging on, but time was ticking. The announcement that five minutes extra was to be added ignited fresh hope amongst the City faithful, who were urging the boys forward. Holt went close, then Hoolahan, but his shot was blocked. The resulting corner saw Declan Rudd race up field to join the attack. Maybe it was his presence that confused the Gillingham defence, but as the cross was swung in, Holt managed to get his head to it first. The ball went crashing against the bar, but Lady Luck ensured the rebound fell kindly to Russell, who leaped up to head in a well-deserved equaliser. Cue incredible celebrations amongst the players, fans and coaching staff – Lambert again showing no restraint as he celebrated the goal – absolute mayhem, utter joy and ecstasy! Get-in!!!! That’s what football is all about!

So, after a crazy end to the game, City were some what relieved to salvage a point from the Priestfield -they’ll of course be back there in ten days time in the Johnstones Paint Trophy. I’ll admit, before the game, I was pinning my hope on all three points – it’s now three games without a win – but when you take in to consideration the events of the ninety minutes, we have to see it as a point gained, and you never know how vital that could be in the climax to the season. (Look at me being all positive hey!)

Next up, Leyton Orient at Carrow Road on Tuesday night. Now I know I’ve said before, but we really do need those three points! I’m going to stick my neck out (how brave – or stupid – of me) and say we’ll get them. If we don’t…then, you may not hear from me for a day or so, as I recover from my disappointment and curse myself for tempting fate once again….

Until next time City fans…Keep the faith; On the Ball City!

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A hip injury to Ben Alnwick has effectively brought to an end his brief stay in Norwich.

The young ‘keeper is heading back to Spurs, after the injury is set to keep him out another four to six weeks, which is effectively when his loan deal was due to come to an end with City.

Alnwick picked up the injury in Tuesdays Johnstones Paint trophy game against Brentford, so his return the the Lane, means Fraser Forster is set to take over the number one shirt. He impressed against Hartlepool and with his loan agreement extended to January, he is definitely in pole position. Especially too considering the only alternatives are Declan Rudd  – who Lambert said is too inexperienced to throw into the hustle and bustle of League One, and Michael Theoklitos – for whom there are perhaps seven reasons to suggest he won’t be considered by the Scot.

From the Toon to the City

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Picture: www.dissmercury.co.uk

Good news for City prospect, Declan Rudd, who has received a late call up to the England Under 19 squad, for the European Championships in the Ukraine.

Rudd will be vying with Middlesbrough’s Jason Steele for the number 1 jersey, although Steele is likely to be given the go-ahead to start. England are in the same qualifying group as the hosts, along with Switzerland and Slovenia. Good to see Rudd flying the flag for Norwich, and continue our tradition of producing good young ‘keepers. (more…)

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