There have been many important victories in 2009/10 already. But City’s 3-0 win over Huddersfield at the weekend could well prove to be a pivotal one.
It was a tough test in more ways than one, not least because the Terriers are a decent outfit – their league position will tell you that.
Add the fact that there will have been plenty of tired limbs and disappointed minds after crashing out of the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy in dramatic fashion at Southampton, and it was a big examination of City’s character.
If they had been defeated, it could have set up a tricky Christmas period, with the Terriers only one point behind and hot on their tail.
But boy did the Canaries pass the test with flying colours, despite a shaky start. It took a while for the Norfolk club to get going – they didn’t know what had hit them in the opening exchanges as Town came at them from minute one.
But once they’d weathered the first half storm, and taken a 56th minute lead through the majestic Wes Hoolahan, there was only ever going to be one winner.
With Charlton dropping two points in the south east London derby with Millwall, it turned out to be a good weekend for City and they now find themselves eight points ahead of the side in sixth place, Swindon.
But more importantly, Lee Clark’s Huddersfield – who still look a safe bet for the play-offs – are some seven points behind.
Slowly but surely, Norwich are leaving their automatic promotion rivals behind and it now looks to be a straight fight between City and the Addicks for that second spot.
Colchester are the only other team within touching distance but as I’ve said before, I don’t see them troubling the top two.
But let’s be honest, even getting the U’s into the League One play-offs would be a great achievement after all the upheaval in Essex.
It’s Millwall next up for City on Boxing Day and another chance to rack up another three points and an eighth successive home win.
The Londoners will, however, be in good spirits after earning a 4-4 draw at The Valley and I expect Kenny Jackett’s men to be strong during the second half of the season.
But as they proved last weekend, City need not fear anyone in this division. Even though they tasted defeat at Leeds back in October, United boss Simon Grayson admitted that Norwich were the better side.
When Paul Lambert was still putting his plans into place at Carrow Road, the Canaries managed a 2-2 with Charlton so we know that they can live with the best.
And they have consistently been picking up points at some of the so-called lesser lights such as Stockport, Southend and Yeovil to name just three.
So, it’s all set up for a special year after what was an eventful – that’s an understatement – 2009.
And the Canary Nation can tuck into their turkey this Christmas knowing that their football club is finally heading back in the right direction.
Finally, I’d just like to wish all MFW readers a very Merry Christmas. See you all on Boxing Day!
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