Highlight's and reaction as Norwich beat Cardiff

Last updated : 11 September 2016 By Michael Morris

 

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Alex Neil admitted the frantic finale to Norwich's 3-2 victory over Cardiff left him on edge but the Scot was ultimately delighted the Canaries prevailed at Carrow Road.

Norwich looked to be cruising to their third Championship win of the season following Cameron Jerome's close range finish and Russell Martin's header.

Former Norwich winger Anthony Pilkington gave the Bluebirds hope four minutes from time and although Josh Murphy restored the two-goal cushion, Pilkington struck again in stoppage time. 

But the hosts held on to secure all three points to move to within a point of the automatic promotion places.

Neil said: "At the end of the day that was the target, to win the game, and we are now back up into the top four.

"But I could have done without what happened at the end. I enjoyed the first 85 minutes of the match but I'll admit I was sweating towards the end.

"I think the lads clocked off because they thought the points were in the bag. We got done by two set-pieces, which was frustrating, but I'll take the win.

"We didn't start the game particularly well and when we scored it was against the run of the play, but once it went 1-0 I thought we controlled the game and looked reasonably comfortable until the closing stages.

"There were a number of excellent individual performances - Cameron Jerome, Graham Dorrans and Alex Tettey all spring to mind - and now we need to keep it going on Tuesday night (against Wigan at home)."

Neil fears Republic of Ireland international Robbie Brady will miss that one after lasting just 11 minutes against Cardiff before picking up an injury.

Neil said: "It was a late tackle and he took a knock at the top of his leg. He is still a bit sore but hopefully it is nothing worse than a dead leg. I don't think it is anything serious but I don't think he will make Tuesday."

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Does Trollope need to rethink how his team should play?

Cardiff boss Paul Trollope felt his side had given a good account of themselves and had deserved to take something from the game.

He said: "We came here with a plan and were confident we could get something against a good Norwich side and I was pleased with the way we went about it.

"I don't want to be known as one of those coaches who always comes and says 'we didn't get what we deserved', but I really thought that was the case.

"Having said that I was disappointed with the first two goals we conceded, they were both soft. The first one was a poor cross that somehow ended up in the back of the net and for the second we switched off at a set-piece.

"The main positive from my point of view was the spirit the lads showed when they went 2-0 down. They showed what they are all about by making a real game of it.

"We are now where we would like to be in terms of the number of points we have picked up but I believe in this group and if we keep working hard together we will get there in the end."