Marcelino Nunez equalized in the 89th minute to give Norwich a deserved point in a 1-1 draw with QPR.
The Canaries seemed to be heading for a home defeat, until the Chilean midfielder canceled out Ante Crnac's own goal just before half-time.
Rangers had put up a brave defense to protect their country, but in the end Norwich's almost relentless attack paid off, allowing Johannes Hoff Thorup's men to take their fourth point of the festive period, while the visitors only managed one to their name had standing.
In a tight first half, Rangers missed an excellent opportunity after just seven minutes when Lucas Andersen shot wide from a good position after being picked out by Kenneth Paal.
After that early scare, Norwich had a lot of ball possession, but failed to seriously trouble goalkeeper Paul Nardi.
The Frenchman comfortably collected a fine shot from Anis Slimane, while perhaps City's clearest chance of the half saw Oscar Schwartau lift the ball after Borja Sainz's cross was only half cleared.
It looked for all the world that a quiet opening period would end goalless until Rangers took the lead through an own goal deep into stoppage time. Paal's inswinging corner from the right was delivered to the near post, where it was deflected off Crnac's arm after Kenny McLean had jumped to challenge Jimmy Dunne.
Nardi produced a smart block to deny Sainz from close range as the Canaries started the second period on the front foot, with Shane Duffy then pushing McLean's corner against the crossbar.
Sainz also came close, shooting into the side netting – when he should have scored – after intercepting a square pass from the keeper.
It was all Norwich in the latter stages and with one minute of normal time remaining they finally got the equalizer they deserved.
Rangers were caught napping after a quick throw and the ball was worked across the face before Onel Hernandez set up for Nunez to fire home from ten yards out.
Almost immediately Duffy had a chance to score the victory for the hosts, but he took the ball over from close range.
The administrators
Johannes Hoff Thorup from Norwich:
To follow…
QPR's Marti Cifuentes:
To follow…
Comments