Chris Lakey David Marshall praised Canaries fans after giving them something to cheer about at the weekend. The City keeper has had little to do this season - penalties aside - but when he found himself face to face with the master craftsmen, Kevin Phillips, he didn't let the home fans down, spreading himself and beating away the shot with his legs.

Chris Lakey

David Marshall praised Canaries fans after giving them something to cheer about at the weekend.

The City keeper has had little to do this season - penalties aside - but when he found himself face to face with the master craftsmen, Kevin Phillips, he didn't let the home fans down, spreading himself and beating away the shot with his legs.

A point was scant reward for City, for whom the half-time score of 0-1 had an all too familiar look about it.

“I thought we were brilliant,” said Marshall. “We have played the full 90 minutes and there is hardly anybody in the team you could have a moan at.

“I think that showed with the fans. The fans all stayed at the end and there was a standing ovation and you don't see that a lot when you have drawn the game. But I think the fans saw the effort we put into it. Some things came together there that we have shown in other parts of games, but it was a full 90 minutes, good performance.

“It's strange sometimes - there are other players in there that have been booed off no matter, it's only the result that matters, but that gives you a lift as well.

“The gaffer was saying at half-time you can't kid the fans, you know when you've played well and worked hard and we did do that.”

Whatever the performance, it would have counted for little had Marshall not prevented Phillips from scoring for the fourth league game in a row.

“The fans would have been so disappointed and so would the boys,” said Marshall. “It had to be saved. We have had a few good performances and poor results and it was good to make the save - but it was good not to lose it at the end.

“You just spread yourself - obviously he has proved himself a good goal scorer, but we kept the front three quiet and even when they put on (Marcus) Bent, big John (Kennedy) and Dejan (Stefanovic) have kept them quiet the whole day.

“Over 90 minutes it just proves you can beat anybody in the division, we know that. I think the thing we have to get is the consistency and obviously scoring goals. But we know if we play like that we can beat anybody in the division, as long as we keep consistent throughout the season we will be up there.”

Roeder has trumpeted the fact that Marshall has not had a save to make in earnest this season, but it's a fact - even though he finally got through 90 minutes without facing a penalty kick.

“It's my first save, really,” he said. “We have conceded three penalties and I have been disappointed at not helping the boys out by saving them, but you work hard in training and things pay off.”