Premier League: Norwich City 3 Blackburn 3

Grant Holt’s stoppage-time penalty secured a 3-3 draw for Norwich in their clash with Blackburn at Carrow Road on Saturday.

It was Blackburn who were doing the damage early, as they struck a blow through the dangerous-looking Junior Hoilett in the third minute of first-half stoppage time to lead at the break.

The Canadian nabbed the ball on the left flank from a lax Norwich defence, carried it into the centre before unleashing a fast-and-straight shot into the net.

The Canaries did not have their heads down as the second half began, and a knock-down header by Leon Barnett from the edge of the area came to Steve Morison, who thumped a powerful left-footed volley past Paul Robinson for the equaliser.

Robinson then had to react well a moment later when Johnson’s point-blank header bounced first as it sought the bottom corner, but the Rovers keeper got down to deny it.

The visitors retaliated almost immediately. Mauro Formica slipped Yakubu through on the right of the area, and his low shot was allowed to pass by the two close defenders and custodian John Ruddy, who was certainly near enough to it.

Another lapse in the Norwich defence let Rovers in once again just two minutes later. Morten Gamst Pedersen whipped in a free-kick from the left which was allowed through the area by the men in yellow, giving Christopher Samba the opportunity to duck in at the far post to nod home for 3-1.

City manager Paul Lambert brought on Holt and Simeon Jackson in search of a comeback, and the two nearly combined with Morison to peg one back.

Holt, fed down the right by Morison, cut the ball across the area in search of the lurking Jackson, but Gael Givet made a vital interception to stop the move.

Then a lucky break came for Norwich with less than 10 minutes left. Johnson attempted another shot from outside the area but young Rover Jason Lowe, while stretching a leg out to clear it, caused a deflection that looped over Robinson and into the net.

With the home side barrelling forward and Rovers letting it happen, it was no shock when the hosts got a penalty in stoppage time.

Steven N’Zonzi was adjudged to have handballed in the area and captain Holt stepped up to once again secure a point from behind for his side with an excellent finish.