The title “Canaries v Tigers” sounds like a fable. The moral being, that if you play dirty, especially against a tiger, then it will come back to haunt you.

Anyone who remembers not just one, but both games , against our turkey and mustard loving friends, will know that we were robbed in both games. Partly down to incredibly poor refereeing decisions.

A cynical challenge early on Connolly, was followed up by a leading knee and elbow, which put our striker on the floor, out for the count and ultimately left his career in tatters.

Not content with that, a nice, sly elbow to the masked face of Lewie Coyle, underlined Norwich’s intent. I hope Lewie uses the above, in a positive manner, to add extra motivation.

You could argue those results cost us a top 6 finish, especially as, prior to the home game, Norwich looked spent. A win for us would have killed their play-off hopes and most likely, secured ours. And, with the bitterness from last season now vented, we can look at tomorrows match.

Whilst others, including a local journalist, questioned the tactics and experience of our new Head Coach, I remained calm and patient.

We underwent a revolution in the summer, circa 26 out, 17 in (I’ve lost count) and a new coach with fresh ideas. It was always going to take time.

We still have players to come in and Tim’s tactics still need to be refined. 12 points from 8 games and with the clear improvements we have witnessed, is a very good return, so far.
I hope that we will continue to improve and push for the play offs.

We are level, with our hosts, who drew with Leeds United 1919 Ltd, midweek.

They will be thereabouts at the end of the season, so this will as always at Carrow Road, be a tough test.

We are now witnessing Tim’s self-acclaimed “heart attack” football. (although he may wish to rephrase that)

At QPR and Elland Road, we could have been 2, 3 or 4 down after 10 minutes. Ivor Pandur was for me, the real hero on Tuesday. He laid the foundations, and our forward line, duly obliged. A terrific strike, with the outside of the boot from Cody Drameh, who celebrated with the same coolness. Another good performance from Liam Millar. Great to see Chris Bedia score again.

Credit to the whole team for pushing on at 3v1 and not giving QPR a hope.

Tim has already stated that he will not change a winning team. I would anticipate one or two changes, from a tactical point and to maximise fitness levels. We need to keep it tighter at the back early on, but I love the way we go forward with intent. I love the tenacity shown when we have gone behind.

Likely team:

Pandur
Coyle
Drameh
Jones
McLoughlin
Zambrano
Slater
Mehlem
Millar
Belloumi
Bedia

Score Prediction: 2v2

By The title “Canaries v Tigers” sounds like a fable. The moral being, that if you play dirty, especially against a tiger, then it will come back to haunt you.
By Lee Dolman

#HullCity #IvorPandur #TheTigers #HCAFC #EFL