Before the game I would have settled for a point and it wasn't too pretty but we battled well to earn a 0-0 draw. Having looked at Preston's home form of 7 wins out of last 8 home games, it was definitely a point gained by the Canaries.
It was definitely important we responded to last Saturday's defeat, and with two home games coming up against Coventry and Crewe you would expect another 6 points.
Norwich were boosted by the news that Paul McVeigh and Marc Edworthy were passed fit to start, with Phil Mulryne left on the bench. Gary Holt slotted back into midfield alongside Damien Francis. The team looked strong especially with a bench that couldn't even find room for top goals corer Mark Rivers.
I was unable to make the game so I had to settle for listening to Uncle Roy and Auntie Neil on Radio Norfolk. The first chance of the game was created by Norwich where Henderson failed to make the best of a chance at the back post.
Norwich's next chance fell to Damien Francis who was left with time and space, but only managed to guide an effort over the bar from 12 yards.
The best chance of the half fell to Preston 5 minutes before the break. Edwards met a cross from Alexander and his powerful header just missed the left upright. Huckerby then broke away and crossed looking for Crouch who couldn't quite reach the incoming ball from the on loan star.
At the break I felt there was no reason why we couldn't go and win the game. As long as we kept the lively Healy quiet, there were not many attacking threats from Preston.
Norwich created the early chances in the second half as they began looking very lively. Holt had a deflected shot run just wide and Crouch had a goal bound opportunity blocked.
An opportunity was then carved out for Preston as Norwich needed Robert Green to dive bravely to take the ball away from the feet of Cresswell.
Norwich had a superb opportunity to win the game in the 75th minute. Huckerby used his pace to make way into the Preston penalty area. Peter Crouch and Damien Francis were in plenty of space, however Huckerby was too greedy as he ignored both options and tried to beat the last defender, eventually running the ball out of play.
There were then a couple of late scares for Norwich as skipper Lucketti watched as his powerful header crashed against the bar. In the 85th minute Green and Edworthy had to scramble a ball of the line after a header from Jackson.
Norwich had a late opportunity as substitute Iwan Roberts flicked on a McVeigh pass only to see his header guided wide by Preston keeper Gould. From the corner Damien Francis had a half hit shot scrambled wide by a Preston defender.
All in all I felt this was an excellent result. We moved up to second in the table and continued to impress on our travels. I'll be at the two home games on Tuesday and Saturday, hoping by the end of them we are top of the league where we truly belong.
On the ball.............
Keep The Faith