July 7, 2024

Norwich City had to settle for a point at the Coventry Building Society Arena after a late own goal rescued a draw for the hosts.

Late in the first half, Jonathan Rowe had slotted home his seventh goal of the season to put Norwich in front after a tight first half.

But Ben Gibson’s own goal meant that both teams would have to share the points.

David Wagner opted to make multiple changes to the side who were beaten 2-1 at Swansea in midweek.

Sam McCallum, Liam Gibbs, Przemysław Płacheta and Adam Idah were all included from the off.

Chances were limited throughout the opening 15 minutes with McCallum’s fizzed cross just out of the reach of Idah being the closest either team came to scoring.

The hosts controlled possession of the ball, playing a high line at the back which Norwich tried to exploit through Idah, Płacheta and Rowe.

Their best chances both came from corners – the first was palmed away by Angus Gunn but Ellis Simms was penalised for offside while the former Everton man then saw his next attempt get trapped under the body of Shane Duffy before Gunn collected.REPORT: Norwich City 3-0 Sky Blues - News - Coventry City

With five minutes to go in the half, the Canaries were denied what appeared a certain penalty when skipper Kenny McLean won the ball in the Coventry box before being bundled over.

Norwich did get ahead when Rowe poked home the opener in the 41st minute – following tireless work from Gibbs and Jack Stacey down the right-hand side.

A lively start to the second half from the visitors saw the home support try and play their part but again without really testing Gunn in the Norwich goal.

Fresh legs came in to try and keep the tempo up for Norwich who were now controlling the ball but not creating much in terms of goal-scoring opportunities.

Coventry had a chance through Josh Eccles but his volley was straight at Gunn who was able to make the stop.

Eccles would have another go from long range that Gunn was forced to tip over as the game edged towards the final five minutes. He would make it a hat-trick of attempts soon after, dragging this one wide of the post.

However, the pressure would finally tell with two minutes of the 90 remaining when Ben Gibson turned the ball into his own goal.REPORT: Norwich City 3-0 Sky Blues - News - Coventry City

And it almost got worse for Norwich as Coventry kept knocking throughout the four minutes of injury time but timely interventions from Duffy and Danny Batth kept them at bay.

The international break now takes centre stage with the Canaries returning to action against Leeds United later in the month.

Coventry City: Wilson; Thomas, McFadzean (C), Kitching (Latibeaudiere 72) ; Sakamoto, Eccles, Allen (Binks 76), Ayari, Dasilva (van Ewijk 72); Simms, Wright (Godden 72).

Unused subs: Collins, Bidwell, Eghosa, Stretton, Obikwu.

Goals: OG (88)

Bookings: Ayari (90)

Norwich City: Gunn; Stacey, Duffy, Gibson, McCallum (Giannoulis 63); McLean (C), Sara; Rowe (Fassnacht 76), Gibbs (Batth 87), Płacheta (Springett 63); Idah (Hwang 76).

Unused subs: Long, Hernández, Forshaw, Fisher.

Goals: Rowe (41)

Bookings: Rowe (74)

HT: 0-1

FT: 1-1

Referee: Dean Whitestone

Venue: Coventry Building Society Arena

Attendance: 26,548

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