Lambert compares Norfolk to the goldfish bowl of Glasgow as City grind out another win

Sun 15 Nov 09

City boss Paul Lambert has likened the pressures in Norfolk to those at Celtic Park after the Canaries battled their way to yet another three points against Tranmere Rovers.

With only three league wins all season, the odds were clearly stacked against Rovers before kick-off. But to be fair to them, they made life very difficult for the home side and City had to work very hard for the win.

The Canaries didn't really get going until the second 45 and the visitors had a golden chance to take the lead when Chris Shuker played in Paul McLaren with the goal at his mercy. But a stunning stop from Fraser Forster kept the scores level and the on-loan 'keeper was rewarded with the man-of-the-match award for his efforts.

And after Wes Hoolahan's penalty following a handball from John Welsh in the box, and Gary Doherty's tap in with 10 minutes left, City claimed their ninth win in their last 10 outings.

But it wasn't easy by any means.  And the Canary boss hinted that there will be many more occasions like this – especially if teams visiting Carrow Road continue to 'park the bus in front of goal', as Jose Mourinho once famously said.

"The biggest thing I can say is that the demand is like it is at Celtic. Teams come here and bed themselves in, the crowd get a bit agitated and it takes big players to go and take the ball every time," said Lambert.

"But I'm delighted to win, it keeps the run going and it keeps everyone pretty happy. I said it was going to be a tough game because of where Tranmere are in the league and the weather wasn't great either. But we overcame that and we stuck at it which I'm pleased at.

"The players have been great. The expectancy levels are high because of what we're doing at the minute and I don't know if the club has had that feeling for a long time.

"The fans that come in their droves expect us to win.  All we can do is try and beat what's in front of us. But the level of performance and consistency level has been terrific."

Apart from the impressive Forster, penalty scorer Hoolahan was the stand-out performer – especially after the break. And with Grant Holt and Chris Martin amongst the goals in recent weeks as well, Lambert declared himself happy with his front three.   Part 2 >>