Canaries so tweet on lethal Johnson
BRADLEY JOHNSON netted twice as Norwich booked a mouth-watering play-off clash with bitter rivals Ipswich.
Midfielder Johnson, crowned the fans’ player of the year before kick-off, celebrated by taking his season’s goal tally to an impressive 15.
He was even forgiven a late own goal as supporters preferred to look ahead to the double header against the Tractor Boys.
Nathan Redmond and Graham Dorrans were also on target for the Canaries with sub Matt Smith hitting back for the visitors.
Norwich boss Alex Neil said: “We have finished third but that doesn’t get us into the Premier League – it’s what comes next that really matters.
“They will be two huge games against Ipswich, probably the biggest derbies ever when you consider what’s at stake.
“The prize is huge – over £100million for the eventual play-off winners – and we’ll be giving it our very best shot.”
It was a low-key affair that swung the home side’s way when they scored twice in the space of three minutes before the break.
Wes Hoolahan weaved his magic in the final third to put Gary Hooper clear and he cut the ball back for Johnson to blast home.
Redmond quickly added a second, cutting in from the left to let fly with a firm drive that curled beyond Marcus Bettinelli.
After the break, both keepers were in action at regular intervals but nifty footwork from Redmond finally paved the way for Dorrans to convert from close range. Straight from the kick-off Smith pulled one back when he pounced on Russell Martin’s clearance to volley home.
But Johnson grabbed a second goal in stoppage time, lashing past Bettinelli from 30 yards – yet seconds later he headed past his own keeper after being first to a free-kick.
Fulham boss Kit Symons said: “Some of the players out there today have probably played their last games for the club.
“It has been tough this season for the players, management and the fans, but that makes me all the more determined to bring the good times back to the club.”