Norwich 0-2 Hull: Sunday Mirror match report
Published 20:52 25/09/10 By MirrorFootball
Robert Koren and Tom Cairney ended Hull’s away blues with late strikes which stunned promotion-chasing Norwich.
If anyone looked like breaking the deadlock in the closing stages it was the Canaries, but the Tigers had other ideas as they claimed their first away win for a staggering 31 games.
Super Slovenian Koren headed Hull into the lead after 83 minutes, and Cairney wrapped up the points with an exquisite free-kick with two minutes left.
Hull boss Nigel Pearson said: “It is a huge relief for everyone connected with the club that we have finally got the elusive away win. We have got the result we have been craving and now we have to build on that.
“I am delighted for the players and our long-suffering fans that we have got that win, although Norwich will feel they should have got something.”
Norwich had every right to believe this would be a comfortable home win, given the Tigers hadn’t won in 30 attempts in league and cup, and their last win at Carrow Road came 40 years ago.
Hull started brightly and Canaries’ keeper John Ruddy could only parry away a shot from Cairney, and was relieved to see a flag as Jay Simpson smashed the ball past him from an offside position.
Wes Hoolahan carved out a chance just after the break but, unfortunately for him and Norwich, the opportunity fell to his right foot which, quite frankly, is not his best.
A Jimmy Bullard free-kick was comfortably gathered by Norwich keeper Ruddy after 55 minutes, and moments later Ruddy’s opposite number Matt Duke reacted well to keep out a shot from Hoolahan.
The Norwich midfielder then set up Chris Martin, but Duke was out quickly to deny him.
With a goalless draw seemingly on the cards, a shot from Andy Dawson was blocked and a deflected flick by Nick Barmby found the unmarked Koren, who headed home.
The impressive Cairney then sent the Hull fans and his team-mates wild with delight with a curling free-kick that would have graced any stage.
Norwich boss Paul Lambert was left to rue numerous missed chances, and he said: “On another day we would have won – and if we continue to play like that we will win more than we lose.”
