Canaries too fierce for Forest

ALEX NEIL feels his side are warming up nicely for a promotion challenge.

City moved to within two points of the Championship play-off places after maintaining their recent excellent run, and Neil (below) was full of praise.

He said: “I was delighted with that. We’ve played some excellent football, scored five and could have had seven, eight or nine with the chances created.

“I always thought this would be a good, footballing game and that is why I decided to play both Wes Hoolahan and Alex Pritchard. I was counting on them going out there and causing havoc with the quality they’ve got and that is exactly what happened.

“That’s five home wins on the trot now, which is very pleasing, and we have four points from our last two away matches. The level of performances has also improved and if we keep on going like this we’ll be in the play-off positions.

“We have got another big game coming up against Newcastle on Tuesday. That will be tough as they are a good side, but then we are too and the result will be determined by who plays well on the night.”

The Canaries had the points pretty much wrapped up after just 18 minutes, with a magnificent 25-yard volley from Jonny Howson opening the floodgates.

A well-taken second from Josh Murphy soon followed before an audacious lob from distance from Hoolahan put the hosts in command.

Forest goalkeeper Stephen Henderson was stretchered off after attempting to save the Irishman’s effort and things went from bad to worse for the visitors in the second half as the impressive Pritchard added two more for Norwich.

The only consolation for a well-beaten side was a nicely taken goal from sub Ross McCormack for 4-1.

Neil was delighted to see three goals from outside the area – and struggled to name his favourite.

“It’s a bit like being asked which of your kids you prefer,” he said. “They were all superb strikes but if I was pushed I’d have to go for Jonny’s goal, for the way he caught it on the volley.”

Forest boss Gary Brazil, recently given the job until the end of the season, admitted his side had been second best.

He said: “It was a tough afternoon, I won’t deny it. You could see the quality in the Norwich squad and there were two exceptional finishes in the first half.” Possession Shots On Target Shots Off Target Blocked Shots Corners Fouls Conceded Offsides Yellow Cards Red Cards 48% 52% 9 1 3 4 1 1 8 1 10 12 3 4 1 2 0 1