Tomorrow, January 14, Norwich City will face Preston at Carrow Road for David Wagner's second match in charge.

So today we decided to delve into the archive and relive the same fixture but in the 2003-04 season. 

On May 1, 2004 Nigel Worthington's City squad had already secured promotion to the Premier League but the title was still up for grabs.

The Pink Un: Paul McVeigh in action during the home game against Preston on May 1, 2004.Paul McVeigh in action during the home game against Preston on May 1, 2004. (Image: Newsquest)

The Pink Un: Darren Huckerby dances around opposition players against Preston on May 1, 2004. Darren Huckerby dances around opposition players against Preston on May 1, 2004. (Image: Newsquest)

Preston almost disrupted City's pursuit of the trophy by levelling the score twice but the tide turned with Marlon Broomes' dismissal for a second bookable offence. 

An 84th-minute winner from Darren Huckerby and a world-class save from Robert Green nudged the Canaries closer to securing the First Division triumph in this dramatic 3-2 victory over North End.

The Pink Un: Leon McKenzie celebrates after scoring a goal in the second minute at Carrow Road against Preston on May 1, 2004.Leon McKenzie celebrates after scoring a goal in the second minute at Carrow Road against Preston on May 1, 2004. (Image: Newsquest)

The Pink Un: Damien Francis celebrates with his teammates after scoring at Carrow Road against Preston on May 1, 2004.Damien Francis celebrates with his teammates after scoring at Carrow Road against Preston on May 1, 2004. (Image: Newsquest)

The Pink Un: Iwan Roberts (right) and the team celebrate on the pitch at Carrow Road for the last time that season after the match against Preston in 2004.Iwan Roberts (right) and the team celebrate on the pitch at Carrow Road for the last time that season after the match against Preston in 2004. (Image: Newsquest)

For those who were fortunate enough to attend the game at Carrow Road, the carnival atmosphere will live long in the memory.

The home fans created a wall of sound for the entire game.

There were fancy dress outfits and inflatables.

Mexican waves rippled around the ground - with good-natured Preston fans helping to keep them going.

The Pink Un: Fans revelling in the atmosphere for the Norwich City vs Preston game on May 1, 2004. Fans revelling in the atmosphere for the Norwich City vs Preston game on May 1, 2004. (Image: Newsquest)

The Pink Un: Dazzling outfits from two City fans for the home game against Preston on May 1, 2004. Dazzling outfits from two City fans for the home game against Preston on May 1, 2004. (Image: Newsquest)

Then there was a deafening roar as Iwan Roberts came on with 11 minutes left, an emotional moment ahead of his pending release from the club later that summer.

Unsung hero Craig Fleming won his first player-of-the-season trophy.

Victory tasted all the sweeter when fans received confirmation that West Brom had suffered a 1-0 defeat to Reading meaning City were only one point shy of the second-tier title. 

The Pink Un: Iwan Roberts and his children come on to the pitch at Carrow Road for the last time after the match against Preston on May 1, 2004.Iwan Roberts and his children come on to the pitch at Carrow Road for the last time after the match against Preston on May 1, 2004. (Image: Newsquest)

The Pink Un: 2004 Player of the Year Award, Craig Fleming after the home match against Preston on May 1, 2004. 2004 Player of the Year Award, Craig Fleming after the home match against Preston on May 1, 2004. (Image: Newsquest)

A week later, despite losing 1-0 at Sunderland, Stoke’s 4-1 win over West Brom meant NCFC were champions.

What are your memories of Norwich City's victory against Preston in 2004? 

Let us know in the comments below. 

Match facts

Attendance: 23,673

Lineup:

  • Green
  • Edworthy
  • Drury
  • Mackay
  • Fleming
  • Holt
  • Francis
  • McKenzie (McVeigh)
  • Cooper (Mulryne)
  • Svennson (Roberts)
  • Huckerby

Final score: Norwich City 3 - Preston 2

For more old photos and articles about Norfolk history and heritage, subscribe to our fortnightly Through the Decades email newsletter. Sign up by clicking here.