Worthington bemoans lack of passing

Last updated : 05 February 2006 By Rick Lamb
Beaten Canaries boss Nigel Worthington held his players' inability to pass the ball responsible for their loss at the hands of local rivals Ipswich.

It took a controversial late goal to earn victory for the visitors after both sides had a goal and a shot against the post each. Worthington conceded, however, that the Suffolk side were worthy winners.

"Ipswich were bright on the ball, passed it better and picked up the second balls," the Ulsterman, who was left facing renewed calls for his dismissal, admitted to canaries.co.uk. "There's things there we need to learn from. It happened Tuesday night and it happened again today.

"If we are not going to pass the ball well then it will always be hard to win games of football."

"I've not had a chance to see it but I've heard different people comment," he added.

It was City's second defeat in a week and, though he had a ready-made excuse in Danny Haynes' apparent handball for the winner, the Canaries boss refused to use it as an excuse.

"I'm not too concerned about it. The referee has given it. Unfortunately our performance wasn't there, but we need to stay positive and look forward.

"The passing was non existent. I look at us in training and we are bright and passing the ball and then when we get to the game some of the players seemed to freeze."