City boss Paul Lambert saluted his troops after another late, late show at Gillingham which saw them claim a dramatic point for the second time in a week.
After Fraser Forster was given a straight red for supposedly bringing down Curtis Weston in the box after just 33 minutes, the Canaries were always up against it.
And when Simeon Jackson dispatched it to give the Gills an undeserved lead, the odds were against the visitors bringing any points back to Norfolk.
But under Lambert, this City side are made of sterner stuff. After last week’s fightback against Charlton, they were not going to give this one up without a fight – 10 men or not.
And when Darel Russell popped up with an injury-time header, after Grant Holt’s effort rebounded off the bar, the Scot felt justice had been done.
“I thought they were brilliant and carried on where they left off last week,” Lambert told BBC Radio Norfolk afterwards, determined not to talk about referees too much after recent events.
“They battled really well, especially as we were down to 10 men for most of it, and I felt they definitely deserved something out of the game. They never wilted and kept on going – which is really pleasing.”
The Scot – who must be sick of talking about refereeing decisions – admitted he needs to view video footage of the incident which saw Forster sent off.
However, he did feel his side may have had a spot-kick of their own after Holt was challenged by Gills ‘keeper Simon Royce at the death.
“I didn’t see the first one so I can’t really comment until I have had a look at it. Fraser says he didn’t touch him, but I will have to see it for myself.
“After the game I asked the referee but I was more concerned with why if he’d given that one he didn’t give the one against Grant right at the end there.
“Some you get and some you don’t, but it does seem that decisions on penalties are going against us at the minute.”
“It did make things difficult but all credit to the lads. They kept on going and going and that was really pleasing. They refuse to get beat which I think is terrific.”
One silver lining as a result of Forster’s dismissal was a first-team debut for Declan Rudd. And the Academy product certainly didn’t disappoint with two superb second half stops.
Without them, City would have been dead and buried but while Lambert was pleased with the Diss-born youngster, he issued a word of warning – much the same as last week with Korey Smith.
“His saves were terrific but there is no point in going over the top because you know what it’s like when you’re young, people don’t expect much of you,”
“And if you lads [the press] want to speak to him you probably won’t be able to,” continued the Canary chief.
Lambert was, however, much clearer in his praise of the visiting Canary support and two of his star performers – Wes Hoolahan and Russell.
Russell’s return to the midfield has added some much needed experience and with Stephen Hughes returning from the bench as well, the City boss’ midfield options are suddenly growing.
“Wes has been excellent – as has Darel. Darel’s had a long spell out and I’m delighted with the two of them.
“And the support we’ve got is second to none, it’s great. They come a long way to watch games and in the numbers they travel, they deserve better than what they’ve been getting.”
Tom Haylett
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