Michael Bailey Vincent Pericard, the thorn in Norwich City's side, admitted he did not mean the spectacular volley that kicked off Carlisle's FA Cup second round success over the Canaries.

Michael Bailey

Vincent Pericard, the thorn in Norwich City's side, admitted he did not mean the spectacular volley that kicked off Carlisle's FA Cup second round success over the Canaries.

The former Juventus and Stoke striker scored his fifth goal in nine games since signing for United last month, and although he accepted his goal was more by luck than judgement, Pericard improvised superbly to turn home Joe Anyinsah's centre.

"Well, I'm going to say yes I did mean it, but no, sometimes you have to credit your luck," said Pericard, who felt his 12th minute strike was his best since joining the League One side. "� I was there and just tried something and it went in. It's definitely my best goal since being here, but it was my first opportunity and it just set the tone for the team and we went from there from strength to strength and definitely it was my best goal."

The player is only contracted to the club until the new year, after struggling to make an impression in the Premier League at Stoke.

However, Pericard believes he is getting back to his best form.

"I think that was my best game since being at Carlisle," said Pericard. "I've not played for a long time but things are starting to come back to me, like my rhythm and touch and everything, so I'm just glad I'm here today, definitely enjoying myself and happy I made a difference."

It may have been the FA Cup, but Pericard believes beating a fellow League One side goes a long way to proving Carlisle are better than their lowly league position of 17th suggests.

"It's just a great result because obviously things have been said about the whole team not being very consistent lately," said Pericard.

"One week we're magnificent and the next we're not as good, but against MK Dons and today against Norwich we've proved the spirit is high, the confidence is there, that we're a great team and two great wins on the trot is just what we needed. Hopefully wekeep going like that. They are a great side, you can see that from the way they pass the ball and the type of creative players they have."