David Cuffley Norwich City's sharpshooters have finally wiped out the goals deficit left by their first day nightmare after a spectacular final quarter of an hour against Leyton Orient.

David Cuffley

Norwich City's sharpshooters have finally wiped out the goals deficit left by their first day nightmare after a spectacular final quarter of an hour against Leyton Orient.

The Canaries struck four times from the 75th minute onwards to demolish 10-man Orient with Chris Martin, Grant Holt, Michael Spillane and Jamie Cureton all on the scoresheet, each of them finishing in style.

The result not only moved City up to ninth in League One, but also took their goal difference to plus one - a positive figure for the first time this season as they have had to play catch-up ever since the 7-1 mauling at home to Paul Lambert's Colchester United on the opening day of the season.

"Goal difference can help you but the most important thing was to win," said City boss Lambert, who said he was confident of a breakthrough against Orient even when it was goalless with 15 minutes left against ten men.

"I always have great belief they are going to create something. With the lads we have got you just think somebody is going to create something," he said.

"Chrissy's goal was terrific - one thing with Chrissy Martin, he can finish.

"I've seen that in training loads of time.

"You tend to forget he's still a pretty young lad. His goal was a big, big goal, a big moment in the game and a terrific finish.

"Grant's goal was brilliant. Mickey Spillane - I don't know where he's got that one from - and I'm delighted for Jamie.

"Coming off the bench being an experienced pro it is never easy, but it was a terrific finish."

One man who missed out on a goal also earned big praise from the manager.

"Hoolahan was unplayable tonight, definitely unplayable, but Wes has got that in is make-up," said Lambert.

Orient looked lively at the start but City gradually gained the upper hand.

"I thought after the first 10 minutes we were excellent," said Lambert after masterminding the biggest victory in his tenure.

"We started not the way you want but after that I thought we were excellent in attacking play and the football we played was terrific.

"I think each and every game that passes we are slowly but surely getting there.

"We're not going to play well every single time, but the performances against Charlton and Gillingham were different from what you saw there, because we had to stick at it.

"But the great thing is the lads are giving me everything they have got and that is all I can ask for.

"We have done great. You wish people would actually realise that the club was battered and bruised from relegation and then getting hit by Colchester, losing its manager and the turnaround of a lot of players.

"It is never easy but I think you have to give credit where it is due.

"It's the players that have done it, they have been absolutely brilliant," he added.