City goal hero Korey Smith revealed that their ‘never say die’ attitude earned the points at Adams Park, after his 78th minute winner put the Canaries into second place in League One.
It looked like being a frustrating afternoon for the visitors – backed by over 2,000 supporters – with home goalkeeper Scott Shearer in fine form.
Wes Hoolahan, Chris Martin, Grant Holt and Simon Lappin all went within inches of giving Norwich the lead, but it wasn’t until the game was creeping towards the 80th minute that we saw a breakthrough.
And young gun Smith, making his return from injury, said a patient approach worked in the end – even if there were a few doubts creeping in.
“We were hitting the crossbar and the ‘keeper was making some great saves. There was a point when we thought it wasn’t going to come,” the Hertfordshire youngster told BBC Radio Norfolk.
“But luckily I was able to get in the box and finish it. Obviously you can’t get downhearted about it, you’ve got to keep going and keep pushing each other on.
“I wouldn’t say we were at our best in the first half but we were really pushing in the second half and the ‘keeper was making lots of saves. But we had to keep going and keep encouraging each other.”
His late strike came after good work from C Martin and Hoolahan on the left hand side and the Irishman’s cute cut back fell to Smith, with the former Academy youngster still with plenty to do.
But he just kept his head down and aimed for the target. Luckily it evaded Wycombe bodies to find its way into the net. 1-0. Job done.
“To be fair you don’t really think about it, you’ve just got to concentrate on hitting the target and that’s what I did. I’m just happy to be back in the team and to get a goal.
“It’s excellent. This one feels as good as the first and hopefully there is more to come. I’ve now scored two against them this season so I just want to keep going and keep playing well.”
After being thrust into the side in Paul Lambert’s first game in charge, the City boss has never hidden his admiration of the 18-year-old.
If he’s fit and ready, Smith is usually in that starting eleven. And the midfielder admitted he’s having the time of his life.
“It’s been great for me, putting me straight in and I’ve been working hard. The manager has rewarded me with a new contract and kept his faith in me.
“I’m grateful for that and I’ll keep trying to prove that it was worth it,” continued the likeable youngster.
With the Canaries now riding high in an automatic promotion spot, Smith revealed that they were aware of the Walsall v Charlton postponement before they took to the field.
And the thought of heading into the New Year in one of those coveted places seemed to spur City on. Well, that and their marvellous travelling support.
“We knew their game was off so we knew that if we won we’d go second. In the second half that probably spurred us on even more.
“From the first game of the season, when we lost 7-1, we’ve just worked so hard as a team. When we see ourselves in that second place it puts a smile on all the lads’ faces.
“And to be fair it looked like there were as many Norwich boys here as Wycombe. It is great support and they are here every week. We thank them for that.”
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