The ACN Match Review: Walsall (h)

How did we play?

With only 28 league places between the sides, this could have been a tricky one, especially as we’ve not exactly been free-scoring all season. But a pleasingly strong starting XI were positive from the outset and had the game under control within 25 minutes. Good to see so many play well and hopefully they can continue that in the league.

What was the best bit of the game?

The best goal of the game, and probably the best one that’s been scored at Carrow Road all season, came from Walsall’s Courtney Clarke, whose curling effort brought about a pleasingly old-school round of applause from all four sides of the ground.

Early on, I’m pretty sure José Córdoba purposefully brought the ball under control with his left bumcheek, which was fun. But the best thing was being able to say, “I was there” when both Matěj Jurásek and Tony Springett got their first Norwich goals.

What was the worst bit of the game?

I mean I was going to moan about digital ticketing and turnstile chaos, but the Josh Sargent bombshell quickly overshadowed such matters. Just massively disappointing to go from thumping the badge in front of the away fans at Blackburn in late August, to refusing to play via text message less than five months later. Getting some sort of fee for a streaky, injury prone player might not be the worst thing ever, but when it comes to how you go about leaving the club, be more Gabby Sara and less Rowe, Snake or Sargent.

What was the atmosphere like?

Pretty good for a cup game. Home wins and commanding performances have been hard to come by, so everyone was just having a lovely old time. The feel-good factor lasted for about half an hour after the final whistle.

Hero of the match

I was going to make the case for Jovan Makama being our best attacking option and how he should be the first choice up front, but events have overtaken that argument somewhat. It was a great hat-trick and thoroughly deserved. His first goal showed real determination to get the shot away, the second showed what he does best – using his strength to hold the defender off and power a shot in with little room for manoeuvre. The third was effortlessly placed into the corner, a finish that showed the confidence he’s playing with.

Summary in Five Words

YOO ESS AY EFF OFF.