No practice makes perfect for the Canaries as hero Forster praises spot-kick expertise

Weds 11 Nov 09

City penalty hero Fraser Forster hailed the Canaries' spot-kick prowess after the 5-3 shoot-out win at Swindon saw them through to the JPT southern area semi-finals.

A patched up Norwich team, with only two survivors from the weekend drubbing of Paulton Rovers, defended stubbornly and a goalless draw always looked on the cards.

But they were ruthless when it mattered and remarkably, Forster admitted that City dispatched all five penalties without any prior practice.

"To be fair to the lads, we haven't practiced anything, so they have just gone up there and put them away, which is what you need in that situation," he told BBC Radio Norfolk afterwards.

"I thought we defended well all night to be fair and we were unlucky not to get a chance to score and just make it 1-0.

"But the team changed quite a bit for the game and I thought all the lads did brilliantly," continued the on-loan Newcastle man.

Despite some clinical finishing from the spot, it was the Hexham-born player who ended up the obvious hero after his save from Craig Easton.

But the 6ft 6 'keeper was a perfect example of modesty afterwards – as far as Forster is concerned, he had nothing to lose.

"I just guessed right. It was a pretty soft penalty, but it was nice to save one. I think it's one of them when you're a 'keeper - you're not really expected to save anything. But if you do save something, you're a bit of a hero.

"I'm just happy to save one. But the lads' penalties were absolutely brilliant. And it's much easier if everyone scores, it takes the pressure right off."

While Forster was getting plenty of praise after his crucial save, he was keen to acknowledge the collective Canary effort in Wiltshire.   Part 2 >>