Norwich stormed back from 1-0 down to beat the Saddlers 3-1 at Bescot today. Gary Birch had given Walsall a half time lead but Ian Henderson, Paul McVeigh and Peter Crouch netted before Paul Ritchie and Crouch were sent off by card happy ref Mr Cowburn at the death.
Darren Bazeley replaced the suspended Chris Baird whilst Jamie Lawrence came in for Gary O’Neil, now back at Portsmouth. Norwich included loan stars Crouch, Huckerby and Kevin Harper, formerly on loan at Bescot.
The Canaries started strongly and Jimmy Walker was forced to push a free kick from McVeigh onto the bar before Walsall took the lead in the tenth minute when Birch took advantage of hesitancy in the home defence to fire past Robert Green. Simon Osborn also went close with a dipping volley but the first half was dominated by Norwich, who should have taken the lead only for beanpole striker Crouch to head wide.
Crouch then headed over and Harper fired wide before being forced off due to injury and replaced by Henderson. Merse again tried one of those fancy shots with the outside of his right boot that was, as usual, easily held by the keeper.
Henderson equalised seven minutes into the second half but the goal had been coming for the last forty. Drury got in behind Bazeley and picked out the substitute who fired into an empty net. Seven minutes later, loan strikers Crouch and Huckerby combined to set up McVeigh, who burst into the area and fired past Walker to put Norwich ahead. The Canaries’ third goal in twelve minutes arrived via Peter Crouch, who converted a right wing Henderson cross from close range.
There were injury scares for both keepers late on, as Green fell awkwardly collecting a cross but was able to continue after lengthy treatment. Walker also gave the crowd a scare, hurting his wrist when attempting to throw the ball forwards. Thankfully Darren Huckerby was unable to convert the loose ball and Whacker was able to continue.
A niggly challenge from Ritchie provoked Crouch into a reaction and both players received second yellow cards from the referee after a tame shoving match. Roper, Samways and Corica were also booked by a referee who handed out cards like it was Christmas.