Norwich City drew 1-1 with Sunderland last Sunday in an incident filled game which kicked off at lunchtime at the Stadium of Light for the benefit of the Sky TV cameras.

City's goal came courtesy of a rare Wes Hoolahan header. It was only fitting that the Irishman should find the net on St Patrick's Day.

Both sides entered this game hoping that they were already safe from being sucked into the relegation dogfight, but not yet mathematically safe. Manager Hughton started with skipper Grant Holt on the bench. Kamara and Hoolahan played up front, and Elliott Bennett deputised for the injured Pilkington.

Both sides began the first half brightly, and the Canaries certainly gave as good as they got. If anything it was Sunderland who appeared the more nervous, perhaps infected by the contagious anxiety of the crowd. It was no surprise when City took the lead in the 26th minute. Snodgrass took a corner from the right, Kamara headed on, and Hoolahan, the smallest player on the pitch, was unmarked as he headed home.

Three minutes later Turner under hit his clearance and Bunn raced outside his area to try to reach the loose ball before the onrushing Graham got to it. The ball struck the side of the keeper's body and the underside of his arm. Referee Foy hesitated but eventually reached for the red card and sent Bunn off. Bunn was furious and hurled his gloves to the ground as he strode off, complaining all the time. It didn't take a lip reader to realise that he was not chanting the Hare Krishna mantra as he headed for the tunnel.

Lee Camp was sent on in place of Hoolahan as City regrouped after the sending off. 10 minutes later Bassong chested O'Shea's long ball onto his left arm. Gardner sent Camp the wrong way and smashed the resultant penalty into the roof of the net. So, much to discuss during the half-time interval.

The real question was whether Sunderland would be able to make their numerical advantage count in the second half. City defended resolutely, and the Wearsiders were unable to break through the two lines of yellow shirts. Indeed had the referee been to Specsavers, or had the benefit of a TV replay, he would have noticed that Rose had handled inside rather than outside the Sunderland box, and perhaps awarded a penalty.

Sunderland were unable to create a single chance in the second period, whilst the Canaries made two. In the 72nd minute former Ipswich player Bramble missed a long ball and Holt, who had replaced Kamara after 65 minutes, was clear on goal, but his first touch was too strong and Mignolet was able to grab the ball. Holt was booked for going in on the keeper. Snodgrass and Camp were also booked late in the game. Whittaker came on in place of Snodgrass for the last couple of minutes, and Holt almost connected with his cross three minutes into extra time.

So no more goals and City can be very pleased that the ten men held on for a well-earned point. They are in 12th position in the Premier League table and remain seven points clear of the last relegation spot with eight matches to go. Those eight games include clashes with Reading, Wigan, and Aston Villa. Significant games indeed.