Odemwingie hands Baggies victory

11 September 2011 18:30

Peter Odemwingie's early goal proved enough to give West Brom their first Barclays Premier League win of the season at Norwich.

The Nigerian capitalised on a mix-up between Ritchie de Laet and rookie goalkeeper Declan Rudd, in for the suspended John Ruddy, to fire the Baggies ahead on three minutes.

Norwich, now without a win in four league games, had a few half chances but did not really test Ben Foster, while Rudd made a fine second-half penalty save to deny Odemwingie a second.

It took the Baggies only three minutes to go ahead following a terrible mix-up in the Norwich defence. A long ball from Nicky Shorey caught the Norwich rearguard cold, as De Laet's header did not reach a hesitant Rudd, and Odemwingie nipped in to poke the ball into the far corner.

West Brom were inches away from going 2-0 ahead five minutes before the break when Graham Dorrans strode forward and lashed a 25-yard effort against the post.

Norwich had more purpose at the start of the second half but were struggling to fashion opportunities.

West Brom should have finished things off in the 75th minute when referee Mark Halsey pointed to the spot after Steven Reid went down under minimal contact from substitute Steve Morison.

However, Odemwingie was denied by an excellent save from Rudd to set up a nervous finale.

Norwich struggled to capitalise on it, although, in stoppage time, James Vaughan was flatted by an elbow from Gabriel Tamas at a corner.

But, much to the dismay of the home fans, Halsey did not spot it as the Baggies emerged victorious.

Source: PA