Hurrah! We've Scored a GOAL!

Only days after comments from Paul Lambert expressing that he wants to add a few new faces to his squad, City have confirmed the signing of Peterborough United defender Russell Martin in an emergency loan deal until 4 January 2010.

Peterborough have given permission for Martin to play in both the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and the FA Cup, so he is available for selection for Saturday’s cup clash away to Carlisle United.

Earlier this week Paul Lambert stated he is prepared to fight “tooth and nail” to make sure none of his promotion charges leave the club during the January transfer window.

Wes Hoolahan has already been linked with Gordon Strachan’s Middlesbrough and with the January transfer window just over 6 weeks away, it is likely that specualtion and rumours will build regards Gary Doherty, Darel Russell and Grant Holt as teams look to salvage their season or prepare for promotion.

Lambert does not expect any players to be sold without his consent, will be hoping to add a few new faces to his squad.

Reports are suggesting that Exeter defender Danny Seaborne has turned down the offer of a new deal at St. James Park.

Seaborne, a transfer target for Paul Lambert, is out of contract at the end of the season and was the subject of a bid from the Canaries during the autumn, which has been described as “derisory” by the Exeter chairman.

A second City bid was also tured down and Exeter are believed to have offered the defender a two year extension to his current deal, but Seaborne appears eager to move which may encourage Paul Lambert to pursue the player.

Seaborne has risen through the ranks at the Devon club and has intimated that he wasn’t disappointed when the Norwich fee was rejected.

City boss Paul Lambert named an unchanged starting eleven last evening as another Carrow Road goal spree was produced and City charged their way to their fifth successive home win in League One at the expense of Brighton.

First half goals from Grant Holt and Wes Hoolahan gave the Canaries the advantage at half time and although James Tunnicliffe reduced the arrears on the hour, a Tommy Elphick own goal and a late effort from Chris Martin saw another excellent victory for Paul Lambert’s side.

City were ahead with less than three minutes on the clock as Holt bagged his 15^th goal of the season after a long ball from Jens Berthel Askou bounced awkwardly and caused problems for the Brighton defence and Holt cashed in on their diffidence to float the ball out of reach of Graeme Smith.

City’s lead was extended in the 22^nd minute when Wes Hoolahan scored his tenth goal of the season after a solid tackle from Drury saw the ball through to Hoolahan, who beat the goalkeeper with a low shot.

A late challenge on Darel Russell saw the midfielder react angrily he and Cox wrestled to the ground before most of the players on both sides got involved, which saw referee Keith Hill produce three yellow cards booking both players, as well as Brighton skipper Crofts.

Holt headed home from a Korey Smith cross in the 35^th minute, but the goal was disallowed and the striker penalised for climbing.

Brighton clawed a goal back in the 61^st minute when a wayward shot by Dicker was helped into the six-yard box by Glenn Murray, and James Tunnicliffe found the back of the net.

City’s two goal advantage was restored in the 68^th minute after a Simon Lappin’s free kick reached the six yard box where Tommy Elphick tried to clear but only succeeded in putting the ball past keeper Smith.

City ensured all three points in the 82^nd minute when Chris Martin scored with a right foot shot from outside the area, notching up his 5^th league goal of the season and taking City up to 4^th in the league.

Another good performance by Lambert’s side and although Brighton looked threatening in attack, their defence and goalkeeper looked sadly lacking. Neither side were helped by the referee, who looked totally clueless, allowing major incidents to go un-punished and blowing up for minor indiscretions.

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