Canary fightback rocks Blackburn

Last updated : 31 October 2011 By AFP

Norwich staged a dramatic late fightback from two goals down to snatch a 3-3 draw against Blackburn at Carrow Road on Saturday.

Paul Lambert's side looked set for their fourth Premier League defeat of the season as Rovers raced into a 3-1 lead with two goals in two minutes in the second half.

But Norwich refused to surrender and Bradley Johnson reduced the deficit with eight minutes left before Canaries captain Grant Holt netted a stoppage-time penalty to rescue a point.

David Hoilett had put Blackburn ahead on the stroke of half-time but Steve Morison levelled for Norwich with a brilliant strike.

Goals from Ayegbeni Yakubu and Christopher Samba seemed to have put the visitors in charge until Norwich found their rhythm in the last eight minutes.

Norwich's revival could not stop Blackburn moving off the bottom of the table, but the manner of Rovers' late meltdown is sure to increase the pressure on under-fire boss Steve Kean.

Blackburn were on top early on and Norwich keeper John Ruddy dropped a corner that Yakubu flicked goalwards, only for Kyle Naughton to clear off the line.

In first-half stoppage time, Rovers snatched the lead when Canada-born youngster Hoilett cut in from the left and curled a shot over Ruddy into the far corner.

There was more urgency about Norwich at the start of the second half and former Millwall striker Morison levelled on 53 minutes with a fine finish.

Wes Hoolahan knocked the ball back into the Rovers box and an attempted clearance dropped to the Wales striker on the edge of the penalty arc.

Morison calmly controlled the bouncing ball with his left foot before then dispatching it back with his right over Robinson.

Rovers, though, refused to roll over and were back in front after 62 minutes.

Yakubu got ahead of the Norwich defence to reach a pass from Mauro Formica and drill the ball past Ruddy at the near post.

Before Norwich could regain their composure they were 3-1 down. Morten Gamst Pedersen's free-kick was met by Samba at the far post and he headed home.

Norwich had a lifeline with eight minutes left when Johnson's deflected 20-yard shot looped up off Jason Lowe and over a stranded Robinson.

Just when Blackburn looked to have held out for a much-needed first away win, Steven Nzonzi handled a high ball at the far post to concede a stoppage-time penalty.

Holt kept his nerve to drill home the spot-kick, leaving Blackburn still waiting for their second league win this season.

Source: AFP

Source: AFP