Lambert praises a job well done as ruthless City refuse the read the ITV script

Sun 8 Nov 09

Paul Lambert paid tribute to the professionalism of his City side after the crushing 7-0 win over non-league Paulton Rovers ended the village club's dream.

Despite a nervy opening to the first round FA Cup tie - the biggest day in the north Somerset club's history - the Canaries went into the break three goals up through Grant Holt (2) and Chris Martin.

And they went goal crazy in the second half, with Martin grabbing another three. Wes Hoolahan had earlier hit the best of the bunch with a left footed curler from just inside the box.

To be fair to Rovers, they played their part in what was a great occasion. With just over 2,000 crammed into Winterfield Road, this really was Paulton's cup final.

The eighth-tier side started brightly and Declan Rudd was forced into an early save from a looping shot from James Tyrell.

On-loan Bristol Rovers man Neikell Plummer was also giving the City backline plenty to think about but as soon as Holt nodded home for the first - against the run of play in truth - there was only ever going to be one outcome.

"As I said, TV came here today because they thought something could happen. But I thought the lads were great.  The attitude was terrific, we kept on going and I'm really pleased with them."

Lambert admitted afterwards that the village club had certainly played their part in a momentous event.

After trudging their way through six matches so far, they couldn't have expected to get past the League One high-fliers.

But the Scot was not about to deny Paulton's moment in the spotlight...

"Paulton have earned the right to play us, they've done tremendously well to get this far. So to come here and get an early goal was pleasing."

To be fair to the Canary chief, he picked his strongest possible XI. The former Champions League winner did not want this kind of defeat on his CV.   Part 2 >>