a Rocket from Lee Croft Sinks the Blues in East Anglian Derby Thriller

Norwich secured a fantastic win over arch rivals Ipswich town on Sunday afternoon. It was the first time that Norwich has won the East Anglian derby in three and a half years. It was also the first time current Ipswich town manager, Jim Magilton has lost and the first time the current Norwich City manager, Glenn Roeder has won.

Glenn Roeder made the sensible decision to stick with the 4-5-1 formation. This system seems to bring the best out of the Norwich City squad. There were no real surprises in Glenn Roeder's selection with Omozusi stepping in for the suspended Kennedy. Darel Russell had to settle for a place on the bench, Ryan Bertrand returned and Sibierski was out injured.

Therefore, Norwich lined up with David Marshall in goal and a back four of Bertrand, Doherty, Omozusi and Otsemobor. The midfield consisted of David Bell, Sammy Clinghan, Matty Pattison, lee Croft and Hoolahan playing in the free role. Again Leroy Lita played as the lone striker.

The first few minutes for Norwich, was a bit shaky, but Norwich soon found their feet. There were only five minutes on the clock when Norwich had their first real sight of goal. A clever free kick found its way Otsemobor and his long-range effort just cleared the bar. It was only a few minutes later, when the Canaries had another opportunity. Again, it was from a set piece. David Bell, whipped in a cross that Lita got his head to it. However, Ipswich goalkeeper Richard Wright managed to tip it over the bar.

With 19 minutes on the clock there was a moment of real controversy. Again, David Bell was involved, as his attempted cross clearly struck the arm of an Ipswich defender inside the box. On this occasion, the referee had no interest in awarding a penalty. By this stage, the game was being heavily dominated by Norwich City. The one worry was the score was still 0-0. Sammy Clinghan, did his level best to break the deadlock when he saw his long-range effort smash against the crossbar. The shot, in actual fact was deflected, but no corner was awarded.

Just, prior to half-time Norwich created the move of the match, when great work by Hoolahan and Lita set up Pattison. The South African failed to trouble the keeper. The first half had been dominated by Norwich, but the score was still 0-0.

It was Ipswich Town, who came out the blocks, brighter in the second half. They forced some early corners and generally looked bright and lively. Norwich defended the situation really well, and Gary Doherty was dominating in the air. That said, within the first few minutes of the second half Ipswich had a golden opportunity. Norwich had pushed up to play the offside trap, but Omozusi was out of position and when the ball was flicked on Gary Doherty couldn't get back in time. Jonathan Walters was one-on-one with the Norwich goalkeeper and onside because he had run on to his own flick on. Fortunately for Norwich, David Marshall pulled off a fine save.

The scare proved to be just what Norwich needed as within 10 minutes they had the lead. Pattison ran forward with the ball and then passed to Croft, who took one touch before hitting a screamer from well outside the area and into the top corner of the net. Two minutes later, Norwich nearly doubled their lead and again croft was involved. Croft played the ball to Lita, who hit his shot just wide. There was even a suggestion that Richard Wright might have saved it but a goal kick was given.

In the 68th minute, Ipswich were nearly back on level terms. Ipswich won a corner and Danny Haynes, got his head to it, but Marshall made an instinctive save. In the 81st minute it was game, set, match as Pattison scored the winner. Norwich were awarded a freekick deep in the Ipswich half. At which point Lita advised the referee that Ipswich defender Gareth McAuley had blood on his face and was ordered off the field. Norwich took full advantage of the situation with Pattison, scoring from Bell's kick. From that moment on, Norwich had the game wrapped up, but there was still time for some late drama. Gary Doherty played a poor back header and Danny Haynes got on the end of it. Marshall made, what to me looked like a fine save, but with Haynes going to ground some people wanted a penalty. In the end, though, a corner was given and Ipswich Town had been beaten.

Final Verdict

This was a fine performance by Norwich, and they should feel very proud. This may not have been the best game of football in the world, but Norwich showed a lot of fight and a lot of spirit. It was a strong team performance, but I think Gary Doherty, Elliot Omozusi, Sammy Clinghan and Lita were all superb.

The team has a really good balance to it at the moment and playing the five in midfield, allows Norwich to get all their best players in the team. This is the way forward for Norwich, and I hope now that Norwich can enjoy a settled side and maybe another unbeaten run. With the news Lita is staying for another month Norwich is finally starting to get that.