HORNETS TREAT

It has taken Hooper some time to achieve anything like hero status at Carrow Road but cries of ‘Hoops, there it is’ from the stands suggest he’s getting there.

Lafferty also pushed himself up the popularity stakes with an impressive strike after 25 minutes, his first goal in Norwich colours.

The Canaries’ early dominance looked as though it was going to be undermined moments later when Cardiff were awarded a controversial penalty, Carlos Cuellar adjudged to have brought down Adam Le Fondre.

But Whittingham, normally so assured and clinical from any dead-ball situation, saw his spot-kick brilliantly saved by John Ruddy and Norwich’s two-goal lead was preserved.

Revell, on his Cardiff debut after joining from Rotherham, had a great chance to reduce the arrears just before the break but blazed his shot over.

That was the cue for Norwich to launch one last attack before the break and it proved fruitful as Jerome claimed his 14th goal of the season.

The home side paid the price for have been on the end of a real spanking.

The Hornets were strong defensively, had pace and invention in midfield and two-goal Odion Ighalo and Troy Deeney provided a cutting edge in attack.

Target

taking their foot off the gas just after the hour mark, however, as Revell opened his Cardiff account.

And Norwich’s growing complacency and sudden lack of adventure cost them again minutes later when Cardiff sub Harris made it 3-2.

Wes Hoolahan came off the bench and the gifted midfielder went close with a blistering strike.

Revell almost scored what would have been a remarkable equaliser, given the events of the first hour, but Norwich hung on to claim three points.

Cardiff have now won just one of 13 away games and boss Russell Slade said: “The first half was the poorest we have been since I arrived. Either we improve or we change personnel.”

In contrast, Charlton’s defence was like a sieve and up front they managed just one shot on target, compared to 13 for the home side.

Watford manager Slavisa Jokanovic refused to focus on Ighalo and Deeney, who ran Charlton ragged.

He said: “I have four very good, quality strikers for my offensive line. We worked well together and we competed and this is the way I want us to play.

“Today we showed that we can play very good football and can score goals. Since I have been here we have shown many faces, but today I am happy.

“We are three points closer towards our aim. Now we must start working for the