Norwich City 2 Derby County 0

Last updated : 19 February 2006 By Footymad
Man of the match Darren Huckerby finally settled the nerves of home fans and players alike with a spectacular goal in the 83rd minute, to ensure that Norwich secured all three points with a 2-0 win over Derby County.

Norwich had Peter Thorne booked in the fourth minute for a reckless challenge on Derby skipper and play-maker, Inigo Idiakez.

Two minutes later Huckerby slipped the ball through to Robert Earnshaw who controlled the ball well but fired wide of the goal.

Jonatan Johansson then saw his header rebound off Earnshaw and into Lee Camp's safe hands before the Finn had another shot blocked. Earnshaw's header from a Huckerby cross was then saved by Camp.

However, the Canaries were not to be denied and went ahead in the 26th minute.

Darren Moore inadvertently played Huckerby's left-wing cross to Earnshaw, who chipped the ball to Peter Thorne. His header was turned in by Johansson from close range and he also hit the crossbar a few minutes later.

After 33 minutes a pulled hamstring saw Andy Hughes replaced by Carl Robinson while Youssef Safri was booked for persistent fouling four minutes before half-time.

Robert Green saved a free-kick from Idiakez to ensure Norwich went in at the break with their 1-0 lead intact.

In the first three minutes of the second half Huckerby's cross was headed wide by Thorne and Johansson fired wide when put clear by Earnshaw.

Nine minutes into the half Safri's free-kick was headed goalwards by Gary Doherty but Camp turned the ball away for a corner.

Tommy Smith was booked after a dangerous challenge on Safri and in the 64th minute Earnshaw's quick thinking enabled him to set up Huckerby who fired wide with the goal at his mercy.

Indecision in the City defence let in Adam Bolder but he fired over with only Green to beat.

A run down the left wing by Huckerby followed by a cross saw Earnshaw volley over.

However, with seven minutes left, Huckerby played a one-two with substitute Paul McVeigh before hitting a 20-yard left-foot shot which beat Camp high to his right.