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‘You hear them roaring you on… They were special’ – Midfielder shares derby job with City supporters
James Maddison turns to celebrate giving Norwich City the lead at Portman Road. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
Another game, another moment of magic from James Maddison – this time etching his name into Norwich City derby history.
James Maddison lets the Ipswich Town fans what's just happened as Norwich City take the lead at Portman Road. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images - Credit: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd
The Canaries’ unbeaten run both in the Championship and their clashes with Ipswich Town, were extended thanks to the young midfielder’s latest classy finish – on a day that was a joy, not just for the City supporters but for Maddison too.
“I’m not really sure how to word it to be honest,” he admitted. “That’s the first derby I’ve played in for the three clubs I’ve played for, and what a derby it is.
“To get the winning goal, it’s such a special feeling and one I won’t forget.
“My mum and dad were in the crowd, and my little brother, so it’s a special feeling. The fans turned out in their numbers and honestly, it gives that extra one or two per cent. Even if it’s at the end and you hear them roaring you on, you just get that extra spur from somewhere. They were special.”
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Maddison’s magic moment came just before the hour mark.
“I wasn’t actually sure what was around me,” he recalled. “Stiepy (Stiepermann) pulled it back and it was a good cutback, I had a good first touch and I thought I’ve got to hit this pretty quickly.
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“I started it outside the post and it just bent in nicely; it was a wonderful feeling.
“We said before the game it was going to be a battle and not going to be pretty. It was going to be feisty and sometimes the game just needs that bit of quality, and thankfully I chipped in with that.”
It’s now five successive away wins with just two goals conceded for Daniel Farke’s men, as they moved into the Championship top six for the first time this season.
MORE: Norwich City’s latest derby success – follow how it unfolded at Portman Road
And Maddison reserved praise for goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who again cut a composed figure in the City goal.
“I can’t remember him having much to do,” Maddison added. “There were a few shots but straight at him, down his throat sort of thing.
“I think he commanded his area brilliantly. He’s solid when he’s up in the air, he stays strong and he’s a real gem.
“This is a great three points and it’s good to get one over Ipswich, but I think that’s gone now. I think straight away we’ve got to let that go. We’ve got another game in a couple of days, we’re on this really good run of form and long may that continue.”
• For the latest Norwich City news and opinion follow Michael Bailey on Twitter @michaeljbailey, Facebook @mbjourno and Instagram @mrmichaeljbailey
