Norwich V Sheffield United: Match Report
James Kent
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Norwich finally won a game at Carrow Road this season thanks to an excellent goal from Lee Croft in the 92nd minute. It was a surprise because the game seemed to be heading for a 0-0 draw and the majority of the better chances fell to Sheffield United. However in the end it was Norwich 
who collected all three points and moved up to 11th in the table.
Glenn Roeder decided to ring the changes with a disappointing performance against QPR. In came Ostsembor, Drury, Grounds and Croft. Marshall was behind a new look back four of Drury (making his first start of the season), Grounds, Omozusi and Ostsembor. The midfield four consisted of Bertrand, Fotheringham, Pattison and Croft and it was Russell and Sibierski up front. This meant the likes of Hoolahan and Lupoli had to settle for the bench. Obviously John Kennedy was ruled out and was joined by Dejan Stefanovic, who failed a late fitness test.
Norwich started the game brightly with good possession, but found it hard to create clear cut openings. However it was immediately clear what a difference Croft and Ostsembor were making down the right hand side. As the half wore on Sheffield United began to come into the contest more and more. Norwich weren't helped by an early injury, as Pattision was forced off in the 25th minute and was replaced by Lupoli. This meant a minor reshuffle with Russell dropping back into the midfield. Marshall was the more worked keeper in the first half pulling off superb saves from Gary Speed and a well struck free kick from David Cotterill. Billy Sharp had another afternoon to forget in front of the Barclay as he used his pace to get clear of Grounds, but fired his shot wide, when it looked easier to hit the target. The first half finished with some nervy moments for the city defence, but they held firm.
HT: Norwich City 0 Sheffield United 0
Glenn Roeder decided to ring the changes with a disappointing performance against QPR. In came Ostsembor, Drury, Grounds and Croft. Marshall was behind a new look back four of Drury (making his first start of the season), Grounds, Omozusi and Ostsembor. The midfield four consisted of Bertrand, Fotheringham, Pattison and Croft and it was Russell and Sibierski up front. This meant the likes of Hoolahan and Lupoli had to settle for the bench. Obviously John Kennedy was ruled out and was joined by Dejan Stefanovic, who failed a late fitness test.
Norwich started the game brightly with good possession, but found it hard to create clear cut openings. However it was immediately clear what a difference Croft and Ostsembor were making down the right hand side. As the half wore on Sheffield United began to come into the contest more and more. Norwich weren't helped by an early injury, as Pattision was forced off in the 25th minute and was replaced by Lupoli. This meant a minor reshuffle with Russell dropping back into the midfield. Marshall was the more worked keeper in the first half pulling off superb saves from Gary Speed and a well struck free kick from David Cotterill. Billy Sharp had another afternoon to forget in front of the Barclay as he used his pace to get clear of Grounds, but fired his shot wide, when it looked easier to hit the target. The first half finished with some nervy moments for the city defence, but they held firm.
HT: Norwich City 0 Sheffield United 0