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Steve Bruce's men started lively, with debutant Tommy Williams (on the left side of midfield) and recalled Curtis Woodhouse - in for the tired Darren Carter - both looking to get involved from the off. Blues had several opportunities early on, mostly coming from the head of Tommy Mooney, following set pieces and the left foot of Martin Grainger. On one occasion Robert Green in the Norwich goal flapped at the ball, and Mooney should really have done better when heading at an unguarded net.
Blues took the lead midway through the first period through a sublime finish from John. The ball was played towards Mooney, who dummied the ball expertly, allowing John to compose himself from 20 yards out and drive the ball low to Green's left. Blues continued to pressurise the Canaries, and almost went 2-0 up when minutes later Williams unleashed a fierce left footed drive from an angle, which clipped the post on its way wide.
Norwich had a little more possession in the second period, but created little, with Marc Libbra and David Nielsen marshalled superbly by Darren Purse and the highly impressive Michael Johnson - surely nearing his best again. However, all this work looked as though it could be undone when Libbra took a theatrical tumble whilst being pressured by Purse and Johnson, and the referee awarded what has since been universally declared an unjust penalty. This didn't bother Vaesen, however, who dived full stretch to palm away Holt's effort from the spot.
Norwich continued to move forward, but Vaesen was rarely troubled again, and Blues themselves looked dangerous on the break, notably when Darren Purse surged forwards with the ball and was narrowly prevented from scoring what would have been one of the goal's of any season following his 80 yard run and one-two with Mooney. Both Geoff Horsfield and Nicky Eaden were introduced to keep things fresh and hold on to the lead, which Blues did comfortably in the end.
Blues have not only begun to win tricky games, but also play the kind of football that really encourages fans. With possibly the least tricky run-in of the play-off hopefuls lying in wait for Bruce's men, there is a real buzz around St Andrews now, and this performance did much to back this up. Not one player could be faulted for effort or performance, and back-up and fringe players like Johnson, Vaesen and Woodhouse early on, all impressed.
Things are looking good.
Richard Barker
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