HERNANDEZ HAS DOUBLE HELPING
Hitman leaves it late for Norwich
GARRY MONK admitted the home draw against Norwich City was frustrating, despite operating with limited resources.
The Blues led by two clear goals with seven minutes to go before a late double from winger Onel Hernandez earned the Canaries a point.
“It is always frustrating when you have a win within your grasp only to concede a last equaliser,” said Monk, who his week saw the club’s transfer embargo lifted.
“Overall, though, the most important feature was that we showed that we were focused and ready to compete.
“It was typical first game of the season when it was blazing hot. We stepped up our game in the second half but as the game panned was frustrating to make a draw after Norwich scored in the last minute.”
Monk admitted the lack of depth in his side is a problem but claimed: “There is no sulking. We are where we are and we will now try to strengthen the squad and it is unfair to put too much expectation on the young players in the squad.
“It was a promising performance when we showed a lot of quality and I am happy with the way we played as there were a lot of positives. Looking at the game based on chances a draw was a fair result.”
Jacques Maghoma, who is noted for his spectacular goals, lived up to his reputation with a 55th opener, which was not cancelled out until Hernandez scored his first equaliser.
St Andrew’s erupted when academy recruit Viv Soloplayers, mon-Otabor danced through to regain the lead which he celebrated by running half the length of the pitch to celebrate his first goal for the club.
But the celebrations were a little premature as Hernandez popped up again as he cut in from the left to snatch a dramatic equaliser.
One player who came in for praise from Monk was his young goalkeeper, Connal Trueman, on his Championship debut following a spell at Blackpool last season.
The Birmingham boss said: “We think a lot of him. I do not want to put too much expec- tation and pressure on these young players, but I thought he was excellent as he showed he is a mature goalkeeper. We are very pleased with him.”
Norwich manager Daniel Farke, a hard task-master, expressed his disappointment despite the Canaries salvaging a point with a last minute equaliser from Hernandez.
He claimed: “We created a lot of chances and I am a bit disappointed we did not win. But a draw in the first away game is not too bad. We can live with that result.”
But the Norwich boss also bemoaned losing his two key James Madison and Josh Murphy.
“It is difficulty to replace an outstanding player like Madison who scored 15 goals and had 15 assists. Murphy was our second highest goalscorer.
“Players in the group now have to improve to replace players of this quality.”
Farke, however, was full of praise for the performance of Hernandez. He said: “There were two brilliant finishing situations with a good assist for the second goal from Ben Marshall.
“Hopefully, he can maintain this kind of form.”