Please excuse the slightly weary prose style that follows, for Stan was one of those who found himself stranded on the 'Train From Hell' last night.
Having had a nice day in the capital, Stan's fortunes took a nose-dive the minute Cody blasted over a relative sitter after 30 seconds of yet another NCFC away-day debacle.
From thereon, Stan watched his city's representatives huff and puff but – as is now the Norwich 'way' – get out-muscled and out-witted by a mediocre, but well-organised lower league side.
Having then resigned himself to yet another year of struggle, Stan made his way back to Liverpool Street only to catch an 11.30 train that finally arrived in Norwich at 6.35 in the morning.
The water ran out, the food and drink bar was closed up, the seats got more and more uncomfortable, and the Blitz spirit wore thin as night turned to day.
As it is, Stan is now blurry-eyed, staring at his PC and trying to justify not doing anything else other than write this for the day.
Given such a state of affairs, Stan is going to take the easy option and simply provide his dear reader with a run-down of the players' performances last night.
Ben Alnwick – can take no blame for either goal. What impressed Stan was his coolness under pressure; shots that flashed inches wide he stewarded with barely a facial flicker. Handles well and commands his box far better than Marshall ever did. 6/10
Mickey Spillane – had a hard night and appeared to take knock early on that hampered him thereafter. Just about held his own and tried to get forward at times. He did OK. 5/10
Gary Doherty – Stan was hoping the Doc would seem a cut-above League One, but this has yet to be proven.
He tussled with Cort-the-crock and showed his usual commitment, but he never looked like he was playing beneath his ability. Should have got an equaliser at the end – the faintest of touches would have been enough. 6/10
Jens Berthel Askou – Tough and uncompromising; our best player on the night. Askou mopped up well and put his head where others fear to tread. The first name on the team-sheet from here on. 8/10
Adam Drury – another average game from Mr Dependable. Rarely pushed forward, but did what he needed to do. 5/10
Wes Hoolahan – did his thing in fits and starts. In the first half, Wes looked like the possible difference between the two sides. However, he was too often crowded out and Cody does not yet have the nous to turn his energy into footballing insight. Wes needs a foil – and he does not have one at the moment. 7/10
Owain Tudor-Jones – Stan is not sure if it's a style thing, but T-J appears lackadaisical and so not always fully in the mix. As many times as he made an important tackle, he missed one; and he never fully stamped his authority on the game. Powerful shot got the goal. 5/10
Matthew Gill – worked hard but again never stamped any authority on the midfield. Gill does not do what a central midfielder should do: put his foot on the ball, find time and dictate the play. He got stuck in, but the game fizzed around and over him. He needs competition for his position – or we need a replacement. 4/10
Simon Whaley – Whaley had a frustrating match. He needs better service and he needs to show his pace more; run at defenders and make them fear him. As it is, he played more like a tidy right midfielder than a winger, leaving Holt struggling to get into the game. 5/10
Grant Holt – Huffed and puffed; fought with his defensive foes, but never really got a grip on the game. Throughout, he lacked decent service and so never really got a true site of goal. His effort is exemplary – but he cannot work alone. 6/10
Cody McDonald – ran around a lot as always, but he is too often chasing the game. Should have scored, and did get into a few dangerous positions. But he needs to find his finishing boots quick or changes will have to be made. 5/10
As for the subs, we improved with the introduction of Martin and Hughes. Martin, in particular, took on the opposition, shot on site and made the keeper work. Unfortunately, he missed an absolute sitter with about eight minutes to go. Hughes looked tidy and got in some crosses.
Oh yes, Jon Otsemobor came on for Spillane.
Highlight of the day – standing on the terraces surrounded by yellow and green. For a moment it was just like the good old days.
Man-of-the-match – Askou.
Moment-of-the-match – the City contingent finally letting John Tilson know what they think of him.
Question of the day – who to blame for the goals? Stan couldn't make out who caused the hole in the wall and who lost their man from the long throw-in. Whatever, both goals were 'soft'.
All in all, Paul Lambert has a lot of work to do. Norwich were pedestrian last night, they lacked bite and any real creativity.
Lambert needs to find some zip and some resilience within his new charges. His squad is now large, but lacks quality in key areas. If he really is the new Martin O'Neill, then we are the club at which he proves it.
Welcome to Norwich, Mr Lambert … and good luck old bor.
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