Slow start was costly, Lambert

David Cuffley Manager Paul Lambert lamented his Norwich City players' sluggish start to both halves as they crashed out of the FA Cup with a second round defeat at Carlisle.

David Cuffley

Manager Paul Lambert lamented his Norwich City players' sluggish start to both halves as they crashed out of the FA Cup with a second round defeat at Carlisle.

The 3-1 scoreline in no way flattered the hosts as the Canaries fell well below the standard of performance seen for most of Lambert's three months in charge.

He said: “We got off to a really poor start, started slowly in the game, got ourselves back in it for a brief spell and did OK after we got the goal.

“But in the second half, we lost a goal after about 10 seconds or so. You can't start the second half the way we did and expect to turn the game again.

“We never got going. All credit to them, they were better than us on the night.

“Even at 2-1, when they scored that goal there was still plenty of time to get another goal but we never did what we've been doing in previous weeks.

“But I can't fault the lads for effort and commitment. It's just on the night, we weren't there.

“We can't win every single game but they've been terrific, the lads. It's tough to keep on going week in, week out and I can't ask for any more.

“Now we have another tough game at Southend, a league game where you know you earn your crust and we have to go there and try to win.”

Danish defender Jens Berthel Askou was absent at Brunton Park, missing a match for only the third time this season after his wife was taken ill.

Said Lambert: “He had to call off. His wife was really not well and I hope she's feeling better. When it comes to the family side of it he's got to be with his wife.”

Lambert included 17-year-old goalkeeper Jed Steer among his seven substitutes - his first involvement in a competitive game.

“He's another up and coming young player at the club, so the experience won't do him any harm,” said the City boss.