While City’s recent cup records have been disappointing, with the defeat against Shrewbury, and the Luton loss that lives in the memory, the side Adams put out today should have been capable of securing a fourth round place. But the game that took place mirrored the disgrace that occurred in Shropshire last year. Miquel, Turner, Redmond and Hoolahan were all given the opportunity to prove themselves, but they all equally under-performed.
The game itself lacked excitement, and Norwich never got started. While the intention was there, often the pass would be short, or the touch overcooked. Similarly, players such as O’Neil were tentative to play the more dynamic passes that we’re essential in breaking down a well-organised Preston side. The first half largely passed Redmond by, and when he did receive the ball, he usually had his back to goal with two Preston players doubling up on him.
An untried and untested back four, which included Miquel and Turner, was the busiest of the two sides. While clear cut chances were few and far between, Kyle Reid nearly found a way through as his shot was charged down in the box; a warming sign, no doubt. Various Preston corners put Norwich under pressure, but each were adequately defended. Any break that did in turn form seemingly crumbled, with playmaker Hoolahan regularly being outmuscled. Hooper was isolated. Redmond uninvolved. And Howson ineffective.
Preston were denied a certain penalty when the ball struck Howson’s flailing arms as he desperately tried to block. Hoolahan then did the same, and the referee spotted this one. Luckily, he was three inches outside the box. The resultant free kick was delivered with pace, power and precision, making it too perilous for Ruddy to try and claim. Jack King waited in the middle, before flashing his header just wide. A let-off, perhaps.
Norwich’s only dangerous attack developed just before the interlude, with the ball played into the box and subsequently causing chaos. It fell to Howson who came close but dragged his shot wide to the left.
0-0 at half time. If Norwich were to find a way in this game, they needed to sharpen up.
Things continued where they left off in the second half. Norwich however, did win a few corners, but O’Neil’s delivery would not suffice. Floated, rather than whipped with any pace, meant they were defended easily.
Preston manager Simon Grayson sniffed out the opportunity to win the game that lingered lifelessly around Deepdale. He brought on Beckford and Humphrey with half an our to go, in attempt to snatch the fourth round place away from Championship Norwich City. It took just 10 minutes before Preston North End found the all-important breakthrough. Miguel failed to win a crucial header, and Paul Gallagher notched as the ball fell kindly to the penalty spot area, slotting through a crowd of players. Deepdale erupted.
Substitutions Lafferty and Murphy had been brought on before the goal in an attempt to win the game. Now, a goal behind, they had to work even harder. However, as the game went on, performances deteriorated, most notably that of Nathan Redmond. He failed to beat his marker, lost possession, and seemed generally disinterested on the right wing. The disappointing Ignasi Miquel was sacrificed for Jamar Loza as Adams attempted to turn things round, but within a minute of his introduction, Preston made it 2-0.
Paul Gallagher again! Kyle Reid provided the cross and Gallagher made no mistake, pushing the ball past Ruddy and into the net. Norwich’s FA cup dreams were over for another season, though many had an underlying expectation that we would in fact lose. That we did, yet it is no less frustrating. Infuriating, even. To go out to Shrewsbury and Preston in the same season, in the same disgraceful manner. Norwich finished the game without a single shot on target. Unacceptable?
It’s the last result Adams would have wanted going away to Bournemouth next weekend. A draw would be a surprise; a win – a miracle.
Ruddy: 7
Whittaker: 4
Bennett: 5
Turner: 6
Miquel: 4
Redmond: 3
Howson: 5
O’Neil: 5
Johnson: 5
Hoolahan: 5
Hooper: 5
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