The Manager's View - Norwich v WBA

Last updated : 03 March 2004 By Thomas Rooney

Worthington and Megson stated that although they went into the game wanting to take away all three points, they in the end settled for the draw. Both managers's admitted it was the fair result and that no one really deserved to win.

The major talking points after the game including the abysmal display by referee Brian Corson. Both sets of supporters were angry at the lack of decisions made by the referee. Darren Huckerby saying that the referee 'bottled it' when it came to the big decisions in the game and 'needs shooting if he didn't see Chambers foul.

In all honesty, I believe James Chambers should have been sent off after a foul on Huckerby. Norwich should also have been awarded two penalties, one for hand ball, the other for a foul on Jim Brennan in the six yard box. West Brom can also count themselves unlucky as Craig Fleming clearly handled the ball whilst clearing off the line.

Whenever the crowd were annoyed with the referee it was because he did not give decisions and 'bottled it'. He was not big enough to make these big decisions and leaves me wondering why he was the referee in the first place? There were no Premiership or FA cup games and this was the biggest game in the first division all season. Why could a referee like Paul Durkin or Graham Poll take charge? That would have made far more sense and would have made for a better game.

Nigel Worthington believed it was an entertaining encounter and also stated that he felt Norwich should have had 3 penalties.

"It was always going to be a battle between two very honest teams," said Norwich boss Worthington

"If you'd gone to a boxing match you couldn't have had better entertainment.

"We went out to get three points and we were still going for three points in the 90th minute. But it was nonetheless a point gained and we have taken two points off West Brom as well.

"It was a good game, a real battle. It was two teams hard at it and you have to stand up to West Brom because they'll try to bully you. We stood up, toe to toe, and it was a good performance.

"It was 3-1 to Norwich on penalties not given by the referee but hopefully we'll get them before the end of the season.'

Albion boss Gary Megson was extremely satisfied with a pint, recognising that not many sides have come away with anything from Carrow Road this season.

This is a very very tough place to come,' said Megson. "We wanted to negate one or two of their main threats but we still wanted to play ourselves.

"We know that Darren Huckerby is a Premiership player playing in the First Division. He's an excellent player and we were always going to man-mark him to try and take something away from Norwich.

"What I was pleased about was our togetherness and the way we worked together as a team. Compared with Saturday's performance it was chalk and cheese. A lot of people gave it absolutely everything tonight.'

Everyone seems fairly happy with life at the top of the table. Wigan's game was postponed so West Brom are now 4 points ahead of 3rd place whilst Norwich sit top 7 points clear of Paul Jewell's men.

Having seen the highlights of Ipswich's 2-0 defeat last night, it was clear who Stokes' two best players were......Ade Akinbiyi and ............... George Santos.

On the ball......

Keep The Faith