When I saw our team selection at 2pm on Saturday to take on Wolves in the FA Cup Fourth Round at Molineux I took one look at the Norwich City midfield and thought: oh, blimey.
Pierre Lees-Melou, Billy Gilmour and Kenny McLean with Kieran Dowell loosely in the mix as well. Physically about as lightweight a unit as we could field, probably.
Josh Sargent was apparently not feeling too good before the match and Dean Smith decided not to risk him so the front three [loosely again] became Milot Rashica, Adam Idah and Pepe Placheta, who got the nod over Christos Tzolis to replace Captain America.
Again not a lot of physical presence amongst them apart from young Idah of course, who is learning the art of “putting himself about” on a performance-by-performance basis.
Looking at the back four Sam Byram came in for Max Aarons and behind them was one Michael McGovern, who you would be forgiven for thinking might have been more than a little ring rusty through lack of game time.
At this point, I retreated into my default setting by telling myself: “It’s only a cup game, but I wouldn’t like to see this particular outfit together on the pitch at the same time in the Premier League”.
The boys from the Black Country put out a side with only John Ruddy [remember him?] coming into replace Jose Sa between the sticks from their last PL triumph but we coped admirably, albeit with a miserly 35% possession.
In fact, we actually had the better chances through Rashica and Dowell, whose sublime one-two with substitute Teemu Pukki was worthy of the goal that the old devil Ruddy managed to prevent by pushing his strike away with that giant left paw of his.
The match-winner came from a Gilmour free-kick which the man who temporarily “borrowed” the Town Crier’s hat and bell popped in with a header from distance while big John could only remain rooted to his line as it looped over him and into the far corner.
Natural born worrier as I am I could not have been more pleased with the performance and indeed the result at the final whistle.
We’re not exactly Fifth Round regulars but we’ve deservedly made the round-of-16 this season.
Dean Smith largely agrees with me. I know that because he said afterwards:
“It was a really good performance from the players today. I thought on the counter we looked a real threat and we created some really good chances in the game.
“It’s always nice to see a set-piece go in. Kenny always makes those runs and he’s very good at it, it’s a great little flick.”
Mayor McLean was equally upbeat, adding:
“It feels good to be winning games. When you see the fans, it gives them something to cheer about and they will have had a good journey home, I’m sure. Everything feels better when you win so we have just got to continue doing that as much as we can.
“Cup competitions are quite special and you want to do as well as you can in them and I think you could see that from the performance today everybody was desperate to get the next win and it is good that we have managed to do that.”
And the reward for our stoic, low-key heroics is the inevitable trip to Anfield of course. If we hadn’t have drawn the Reds it would have been away to Chelsea or Citeh. Home to Peterborough or Stoke? It was never really on the cards, was it!
So another win, and on the road as well. And another clean sheet – Tim Krul, Angus Gunn and now Michael McGovern have all achieved one of these this season, which must be a bit of a stat in itself for those that are inclined to ponder these peccadillos.
It’s back to the regular job on Wednesday against Palace now. One thing is for sure: we won’t be short on confidence.
Deep down I know we won’t win the FA Cup, but in the meantime, I’ll leave you with a real classic:
Good morning Martin on what looks like being a lovely start to the day.
Well, a win away in the FA Cup by NCFC – almost as rare as gold dust, but we’ll take it. I was hoping for a trip to Peterborough and a chance to visit the Oakham Brewery Tap which is a few hundred yards from the train station there!! 🍻
Instead, we get an away day at Anfield and the other 2 East Anglian teams have daunting home games. I watched Forest’s demolition of Leicester and Steve Cooper has got them playing really well.
We now move on to 2 home games in the PL and an NCFC team full of confidence and very few missing through injury or illness.
Is the trapdoor to PL safety creaking open?? Avoiding defeat on Wednesday would be a superb achievement and we have the opportunity to play the three teams below us in front of a rejuvenated CR!! They also all have to play Frank Lampard’s Everton. 😃
Of course I’m clutching at straws, but at least there are straws to clutch, whereas at the end of last year, it was more like blades of grass!!
We’ve actually won 5 of our last 6 away ties in the Cup PNE, Burnley and Spurs in 19/20 and Charlton and Wolves this season. Only lost at Barnsley last year. So not quite the gold dust it feels like – but very welcome all the same.
Two years ago, 3 away ties, then lost at home to MU, so maybe the same this time. Oh, hang on, that’s not possible, must give a couple of friends in the NW a call…
Hi Keith
I didn’t realise that – but as we so rarely get a home tie in the draw I can’t claim to be totally surprised.
Guaranteed to be live on TV at least 🙂
Cheers
Morning Ed
Yes it’s sunny and chilly – a bit like winning at Wolves to be rewarded with a trip to Anfield I suppose.
I was impressed by Forest too – shame about lardar$e who tought it was a good idea to take on Joe Worrall & Co. I hear he’s been banned home and away for life by LCFC and I unashamedly say I’m delighted by that.
16 to play, six wins and a couple of draws required – it’s not impossible!
Cheers
Sweet Dreams indeed.
I love the fact the team has got an edge to it now. We may not get enough points to stay up, although watching Burnley v Watford gives me more hope, but we’ll ruffle a few feathers on the way.
I think I will be unbearable in the Royal Oak tonight
Hi D0n
We all love that edge – it’s amazing how many people everywhere are remarking on it – even Paul Lambert noticed it in one of the nationals this morning 🙂
You give your mates in the Royal Oak some non-violent [you’ll know what I’m referring to] stick my friend!
Cheers
Well Martin; not the prettiest but at this stage of the season that matters not one jot.
Refreshing (??)to see that almost none of the BBC commentators/pundits have any idea whatsoever about what is happening at NCFC – unless the comment was a sarcastic comment about Gilmour’s performances. Having said that, Saturday has to have been his best display so far in a Norwich shirt.
And what a reward – a mid-week trip to LiVARpool. They were lucky yesterday. I’m sure I’m not alone in thinking that had Cardiff committed the dubious challenges then the outcomes would have been a penalty in the first half, and a red card for the ‘keeper in the second. Possibly a 1-0 lead and playing against 10 men….but the “little” clubs just don’t seem to get a fair deal from refs or VAR.
So, it Palace on Wednesday followed by Citeh on Saturday…..I’ll gladly take 2 points from those 2 matches; 3 would be very nice and any more very gratefully received!
O T B C
Hi John
Yes I watched the Liverpool match too and I see where you’re coming from – but realistically I don’t think Cardiff were ever truly in it.
The dismissal of ourselves – and Wolves too come to that – on MotD was nothing more than we’ve all come to expect.
I doubt Todd Cantwell enjoyed his Bournemouth debut overmuch 🙂
Cheers
Marty, just goes to show this statistical approach to the game is a load of cobblers. Only one stat matters, score more than the opposition. I‘m sure there‘ll be twists and turns a plenty before the season is over, but our relegation has moved from definite and when will we score another goal, to, bring ´em on we‘re on the up, league and Cup. Funny old game.
Indeed Cutty.
I saw a comment yesterday – ‘staying up and win the cup!!’. I’ve no idea what he’d been drinking. 😳
At least TC got 45 minutes yesterday and I hope his move works out for him.
Todd seemed to be playing deeper for them than he ever did for us.
I see he’s managed to blag the #14 shirt!
Hi Cutty
Yeah I’ve never really been one for stats either.
Some people make a very decent living out of compiling and/or analysing footy figures – this old Philistine can’t think of anything more tedious 🙂
Cheers
Morning Mr P .I said earlier I could take or leave a bonus win. Of course, I took it, but being pleasantly more than a little surprised. Of course, the usual awaited us to read .. Wolves below par, had an off day. Not City played well or anything. Being honest every one of us of the Green and Yellow persuasion are used to that.
Sadly some of the Gold Scum reared their ugly heads with a grown man (with child in tow) attacking City supporters, a great role model for the growing little supporter. With the underpass and steps near the ground is a regular ambush place, as I have heard from fans of other teams. Yet according to the report no police about.
Liverpool away hardly a prize draw, but that’s the way the balls come out, with Chelsea, Man City & Liverpool seemingly getting a draw that looks well how can I put it ? try ….favourably leaning
A decent showing keeping the score down might be the best hoped for, but who knows, ask Forest and Boreham Wood, and so very very close, plucky Kidderminster Harriers. After all, it is the FA Cup.
Onto the Palarse visit, gladly as of yet no injuries reported some of the team deserve a second go, especially Byram and Płacheta who put in a darn good shift, listening to Mark Rivers on the wireless, he said he preferred Byram over Aarons defensively wise. From what I have seen of Byram, I find it hard to disagree, to me a class act.
I cringed when I heard McGovern in goal, well he didn’t let us down, reckon that the WD40 was on hand.
Winning can become a habit as much as losing. or am I following ED (above) with straws in picture. Sure it was Marillion who had a song with that title
That “hot and cold balls” trick certainly seems to work for certain clubs!
Hi Jim
Frankie Howerd would have been proud of that comment.
Mind you he might n0t have been referring to the FA Cup draw of course.
🙂
Hi Lad
I’ve written previously on MFW about that notorious underpass.
To recap very briefly it could have been me the night we beat them 2-0 when Ashley Ward scored twice and they put half a breeze block through a Club Cabbage coach window. I was staying in the Novotel about 500 metres from the ground courtesy of work and had no colours as I didn’t have time to change after a meeting finished late. Lady Luck smiled on me that night as I still had my suit on.
Walking nervously through the underpass half a dozen of them confronted me and said *Oi mate you seen any of them Norwich bastards?*
Putting on my best West Midlands accent [those who know me know I can do that quite convincingly], said *no mate I aven’t* and walked off, not daring to look back. Yeah I was carping it but I got away with it. Horrible environment.
Probably the most enjoyable Fourth Round I can remember in ages as well – and nobody let us down, least of all Micky McGovern.
I’m just glad that our lad who was attacked seems okay from what the Archant stories suggest, anyway.
Cheers
Hi Martin
Great choice of music saw this lady live in Tel Aviv and what a great night that was.
I just wonder if Cardiff had got their penalty if the out come would have been different but then when was the last time a Ref gave a penalty against Loserpool at Anfield.
Lots of moans from the Wolves said we used bully tactics, dirty fouls and time wasting I thought that was there stock in trade in previous reincarnations of old.
Nothing in the media about the packs of waiting Wolves to pick on the departing city supporters but cowards hunt in packs but enough said.
Now we have CP at Carrow Rd one of our bogie teams and DS has much to mull over does he bring back Gunny Jr or stick with McGovern, Aaron’s or Byram then who is in midfield PLM, Normann, McLean or Gilmour and if Sargent his OK could he get a recall.
Again this CP Side I think Gilmour could be an impact sub as they have lots of pace and strength.
Burnley and Watford played out a goalless draw and I can see both doing that in their catch up games so city needs to match or better their results another win starts to drag thise above us into the battle what an interesting end of season to come and twice at Anfield with nothing to lose in either game so just go for it OTBC
Hi Alex
The comment from Wolves fan Mr Davies on James Colman’s MFW piece yesterday is still leaving me in a state of incredulity this morning!
I’m glad I didn’t respond although I can assure you I was tempted.
But if we are being perceived as standing up for ourselves, surely that is all for the good?
The one thing that might go in our favour is that we have owed Palace one for some time and this would be a fantastic time to put old disappointments to rights.
Here’s very much hoping, anyway.
Cheers
Hey Martin, enjoyable read!
A good result on Saturday, despite the possession enjoyed by Wolves, we took the game away from them. I keep hearing how bad the Wolves yobbery was, has anyone raised this with Norwich or Norfolk Police? They can bring this up officially and get it sorted – not good enough, especially hearing one of the yobs had a young kid in tow!
A great result for a hard-working team, and a great goal from Kenny McLean! Canary Lad, love the WD40 remark, and I wonder if Micky McGovern needed something like that the next day?
As everyone has remarked, there were some great performances in the FA Cup this weekend, and I’m making a big yell for my alma mater club this weekend – Plymouth made Chelsea fight all the way, played some great football doing it, hope they back that up by getting back into the Championship!
If NCFC can just give Palace a good thumping on Wednesday that’ll make my week! S&S will no doubt have a few tricks up their sleeves, would like to see Teemu playing front and centre here!
Cheers!
COYYs !!
Hi Kev
The after-match hoolies around Molineux are nothing new – see my reply to Canary Lad [above] about my concerns nearly 30 years ago and I doubt it’s changed.
I wouldn’t expect too much from either Norfolk or West Midlands police on this most recent incident. Apart from the overtime opportunity for their lads they really have very little interest in things like this I’m afraid unless it turns really nasty then of course they will react.. Very few victims will even press charges these days so in many ways Old Bill are on a hiding to nothing.
On a lighter note our equivalent of WD40 was 3-in-1 oil back in my day and I can still remember topping up the carbs on my old MGB with it to stop the pins getting stuck – so I get Lad’s Michael McGovern quip as well!
Cheers
Hi Martin our two new signings passion and commitment had a good game Saturday didn’t cost us anything and we look decent with them two in the side been missing for years when were down the bottom no guts or passion on show like last time after covid so hope they remain and it will be interesting end to season watch out Brentford and Leeds . I goin for 21 weds and 22 sat see you soon mate👍
Hi Kev
Your 2-1 followed by a 2-2 would be just fine for me as well.
Don H will be in my seat on Wednesday so I’ll see you on Saturday for Citeh.
Cheers mate
Not a good day/weekend for behaviour of fans of the great game.
Broken seats, fans ambushed and a city centre punch up in Nottingham.
They’ve been watching PMQ’s too much.
Hi Bernie
Agreed. Best nip it in the bud now I’d say.
There’s a school of thought that suggests a release from Covid restrictions and use of cocaine is contributary to the recent upsurge.
I don’t have that type of knowledge as I haven’t been away for a few years now but those factors could be playing a significant part I suppose.
Whatever the reason it needs to be sorted.
Cheers
Hot balls keeps the big boys apart
Hi Seamus
I’m not dumb enough to think there is no corruption in the game and fully understand the reasononing behind this theory – of course I can.
Equally I’d like to hope there’s no truth in this particular rumour!
Cheers
Martin, there is a story around that says in the draw for the Scottish cup one year, someone overdid the heat, and the person drawing the ball out was heard to say “ouch” when he picked it up! Probably apocryphal, but where there’s smoke there’s fire!
Ha!
So that’s why there’s never an Auld Firm clash until the semis at the very earliest then!
I would imagine the likes of Forres Mechanics have their ball secreted in permafrost for a least a week prior to the draw.
All this TV money has such a positive level of equality behind it 🙁