'Norwich City v Boro - Opposition Preview'
Boro travel to Carrow Road this weekend to face Norwich City, a game in which Boro need to win to keep in touching distance of the Play Off positions.
Born within a stone’s throw from the City Hall in Norwich and taken to Carrow Road by his grandfather and father as soon as he could walk, Richard from City of Yellows feels privileged and honoured to support his local team which not only represents its City but also its County. Richard shares his thoughts on City Of Yellows, a Norwich City blog and forum.
Considering Norwich City have been trading since 1902, it may seem a little strange to think that our first contest wasn't until 1960. Since then, we have battled it out 52 times, City winning 18, Boro 21 and 13 draws.
You might think the biggest and most influential game being the 2-0 success at Wembley which provided the Canaries with another brief flirt with the E.P.L. In respect to historical landmarks for City, I would go back to 8th May 1993 when 15,500 turned up at Ayresome Park to see Norwich City go 1-0 up through Efan Ekoku, then find themselves 2-1 down with goals from Willie Falconer and John Wilkinson. Ekoku and Andy Johnson then City in the driving seat after 68 minutes only for John Hendrie to make it 3-3 four minutes later. The precious point meant that the Canaries could venture into Europe for the first time and eventually beat Vitesse Arnhem and the mighty Bayern Munchen.
This season City fans were really surprised to find that we could win games away from home and especially at The Riverside. Maddison's goal from outside the box was worthy of winning any game of football whilst Boro simply had no idea how to finish. The boys in yellow and green have now gone on to win seven away, on a par with table topping Wolves.
That brings us to Carrow Road, the ground with a proud history of placing fear into opposition changing rooms...that is until this season. We have coughed and sputtered in creating a restless home crowd having to watch slow, sideways passing football with very few chances being by our one and only striker, Nelson Oliveria. Cameron Jerome has gone to Derby, however the window has produced more Germans, a midfielder, a winger and would you believe it, another finisher. Fresh faces combined with a very solid central back three and two wing backs could bring hope and glory back to the fine City of Norwich.
A very slight breeze of optimism could maybe pass through the stands of Carrow Road again. Another 1-0 victory would be a start.
- Boro hopeful of Jonny Howson return for Chelsea clash
- Luke Ayling joins Boro on loan from Leeds United
It's worth mentioning Jonny Howson, a star performer and player of the year who wanted naturally to return to his family routes in Yorkshire. Good in the tackle, reads the game, bursting runs, lethal passing and an eye for a goal. Apparently he was a slow starter at Boro but maybe has now moved into the form of old. I hope he gets a positive reaction from both sets of fans on Saturday.
