CITY 2 NORWICH CITY 2
League Division 1
3rd September 1986
Attendance 19,122
Scorers
City Christie(6 pen & 38)
Norwich Barham(10), Elliott(79)
Ref M Robinson
City Suckling, May, Wilson, Baker, McCarthy, Redmond, Hopkins, McNab, Christie, Simpson, Davies – sub I Brightwell(unused)
Norwich Benstead, Culverhouse, Spearing, Bruce, Phelan, Elliott, Williams, Drinkell, Biggins, Barham, Gordon
FROM THE PRESS BOX
STEPHEN BIERLEY WRITING IN THE GUARDIAN 4TH SEPTEMBER 1986
Few teams in recent years have mastered the art of building a home lead and losing it like Manchester Clty. Last night they were twice ahead, but Norwich, generally the more fluent; side. maintained their unbeaten record when Shaun Elliott equalised in the 79th minute, City having led 2-1 at half-time.
City could barely have had a better start. The game was only six minutes old when Christie, chasing a ball from May, was clatttered into by Culverhouse. It looked little more than a clumsy challenge but Mr Robinson had no hesitation awarding the penalty which Christie converted, his second goal since joining from Derby during the summer.
If Norwich looks could have killed Mr Robinson, would have taken no further part in the match. Norwich bit their lip, mindful that dissent is being much frowned upon this season, and rightly so.
Actions speak louder than words. Within four minutes Norwich had drawn level. Barham crashing Home a volley from close range with the home side’s defence apparently contemplating higher matters.
With Clements, their central defender and captain. failing a fitness test. Clty had brought in May at right back and resorted to an‘ orthodox back four. Their covering at the far post for the volley after Elliott’s flick was sadly unorthodox, namely non-existent. Norwich. arrived at Maine Road undefeated. although having only played two games. The departure of Woods to Rangers and Watson to Everton. and the transition to the First Division after a season of absence. do not appear to have troubled them unduly. Elliott, signed from Sunderland to replace Watson, certainly has superior pace and his ablity to switch defence into attack had City in trouble more than once.
Yet Norwich, in spite of increasing possession. suddenly found themselves behind again when Simpson’s searing run set up Hopkins, making his home debut after his £130,000 move from Birmingham City. His shot was scrambled off the line, but Christie swooped for his second goal.
Norwich could count themselves unlucky and they made concerted efforts to retaliate, with another equaliser. that is. However. the second goal had given City confidence, even it there was always that nagging Maine Road feeling that matters might go seriously amiss any minute.