Match Report – Stockport County 1 – 3 Norwich City
November 1, 2009 in Match Report, Norwich City FC by Nelson's Revenge
Paul Lambert was forced to make changes in defence as his side travelled to Edgeley Park to take on struggling Stockport County, on a pitch that looked in poor condition no doubt the result of a rugby union fixture that had taken place the previous evening.
With Jon Otsemobor, Michael Spillane and George Francomb all sidelined, manager Paul Lambert was required to make one change to his starting eleven with Matthew Gill starting a first team match since August after a lengthy lay off with a knee injury.
Francomb, missing through thigh strain, was the man absent from the eleven who started last week’s 1-0 win over Swindon, which consequently saw Adam Drury take on the responsibility at right back.
Drury, making his 300th senior appearance for the Canaries, found his normal position at left back covered by Simon Lappin, and Gill filled in for Lappin’s customary role on the left side of midfield.
It was not one of City’s most assured performances but on a difficult surface, a travelling support of over 1200 would not have complained at the final result.
Grant Holt struck twice to take his goal tally to 12 for the season as City took three points at the expense of struggling Stockport, and whilst the injuries and re-shuffling appeared to hamper City’s performance many supporters will take heart that Lamberts side picked up 3 points after a poor display.
Holt gave the Canaries the lead in the 16th minute when he headed home from Simon Lappin’s free kick, which goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams allowed to slip through his fingers.
Wes Hoolahan stretched their advantage after 69 minutes from the penalty spot after Chris Martin had been brought down by Paul Huntington.
A goal by Carl Baker, nine minutes from time, which appeared to deflect off Peter Thompson, gave the hosts late hope, but Holt sealed victory when he tucked home a cross by substitute Cody McDonald in the final minute, and the striker could have had a hat trick in stoppage time but was denied by Fon Williams.
