Smith’s in seventh heaven as Pukki sees off Seasiders
BUOYANT Dean Smith saluted his team’s “fighting spirit” after they edged to a gritty single-goal victory at Blackpool.
Teemu Pukki secured the Canaries’ seventh win in eight Championship games in typically predatory fashion early on, and they keep the pressure firmly on leaders Sheffield United at the top.
Reflecting on what was a hard-earned three points for the in-form Canaries, Smith said: “Credit to Blackpool, they started the game well and hit the post.
“That was a bit of a shock to the system, but after that we turned it on and we should have put the game to bed before halftime.
“That was as good a spell as we’ve produced all season I thought, but the longer it stays at one-nil, you will always give the opposition a sniff.
“We showed a real fighting spirit in that last 20 minutes of the game, though.
“It was an exceptional effort and I’m really pleased we showed what a winning mentality is all about.
“You need that at this level and that’s what the fans want to see.
“We’re facing a big challenge this season but I think we are seeing the players standing up to it.”
It was against the run of play when the Canaries bagged what turned out to be the winner in the 21st minute, and it was a total calamity for Seasiders’ left-back Dom Thompson.
He presented the ball to hot-shot Finn Pukki who charged clear before coolly slotting his fourth goal in as many games past Chris Maxwell.
That fired up the Canaries and before the break Kenny Mclean headed against a post and
Marcelino Nunez curled a sweet free-kick against the crossbar.
The second period was much more pedestrian as the visitors comfortably repelled anything Blackpool could throw at them.
The closest Smith’s men came to a second was when Josh Sargent’s effort was blocked on the line by Jordan Gabriel.
Seasiders boss Michael Appleton was forced to reflect on a fourth defeat in five games as his side were booed off as they continue to hover just a point above the drop zone.
Appleton said: “We had one or two big moments early on but we couldn’t score and when Norwich did, that was a big blow.
“That gave them a boost.
“I couldn’t have asked for more in the second half, though. “We did everything but score – even the lads coming off the bench played their parts.
“We showed that character, grit and determination that you need and we put bodies on the line.
“We just need to keep the focus on ourselves.
“It’s easy to be worried but I think if we continue playing like we did today, we’ll be okay.”