Clinical Canaries cruise past Colchester: Match Review

Norwich closed the gap on leaders Leeds as Paul Lambert led his side to a comprehensive 5-0 victory at former club Colchester.

The Canaries took a 16th-minute lead through Chris Martin, who fired home after Danny Batth scuffed a clearance straight at Russell Martin.

Fraser Forster denied Antony Wordsworth and Phil Ifil scuffed wide for Colchester, before Norwich extended their lead just before half-time.

Grant Holt's long pass from inside his own half was missed by Batth, allowing Chris Martin to run on and score.

Gary Doherty made it 3-0 in the fourth minute of the second half, finishing emphatically after Magnus Okuonghae had only scuffed away Wes Hoolahan's free-kick.

Hoolahan missed a penalty after Okuonghae fouled Holt in the area but substitute Oli Johnson made the most of Pat Baldwin's error to make it 4-0 and Holt rounded off the victory late on.

Former Norwich player Ian Henderson was sent off for a lunge at Darel Russell in stoppage-time, as the Canaries gained sweet revenge for their 7-1 trouncing at the hands of the Us on the opening day.

Copyright (c) PA Sport 2009, All Rights Reserved.