DAVID CUFFLEY Simon Lappin is banking on Norwich City's East Anglian derby fightback proving a turning point in their season.

DAVID CUFFLEY

Simon Lappin is banking on Norwich City's East Anglian derby fightback proving a turning point in their season.

Midfielder Lappin had to deputise at left-back against Ipswich Town with Adam Drury sidelined following a knee operation, but the 24-year-old Scot still got forward to good effect and helped trigger bottom-of-the-table City's recovery from 2-0 down with the corner that led to their first goal at Carrow Road.

He said a point - only the second in nine matches for the Canaries - was “something to build on”, but felt they should have had all three.

“We're slightly disappointed we never got the win. I don't think we deserved to be two-nothing down. I thought we played OK in the first half, taking away the two goals we lost,” said Lappin, who was TV's choice as man of the match.

“In the second half I thought we were excellent. We had all the play, created more chances. It's a point for us, something to build on, we've not had a point for while. It's up to us to build on it and I hope we can kick on from here because there is still a long, long way to go to get to where we want to be.

“At half-time we couldn't believe we were two down but we managed to pick ourselves up and get going again.”

Ten minutes into the second half, Lappin's corner was met by the head of debutant Martin Taylor and flicked off Ipswich's Owen Garvan on its way past 'keeper Neil Alexander to reduce the arrears. Jamie Cureton's first goal since August 18 then levelled the scores after 66 minutes - the third of his City career against Ipswich.

Said Lappin: “It was a great run by big Martin. I put the ball in an area and it's up to them to get on the end of it and luckily he's managed to do that and got us back into the game. We got a huge lift from that and think it showed, kicking on again to get the equaliser.

“Jamie took his goal very well - that's the kind of thing he does - and I think the boys are slightly disappointed we didn't take one or two of the other chances we had.

“We showed great character to play the way we did in the second half but it's not about playing for 45 minutes, the game lasts 90 and we've got to do that for the full duration of the game.”

Lappin is at his happiest going forward, but well aware of his defensive responsibilities.

He said: “I like to think I'm a forward thinking player. I like to get forward, and the manager will encourage that. But there are times you've got to put the reins on it and sit in. I've got Hucks on that side, he's a forward-thinking player again and I've got to give him that bit of cover at times as well.”

Lappin saluted the home crowd for their part in inspiring City's comeback.

He said: “There was an excellent atmosphere and I knew it would be like that. The last derby here I was injured for but there was a fantastic atmosphere and the fans were great again, getting behind the boys. We need that, especially in the club's situation, and they have been doing that to be fair to them. It's up to us now to repay them with performances on the park.”

City now face Watford at Carrow Road tomorrow night with an ex-Canary trio in charge in manager Adrian Boothroyd, coach Martin Hunter and assistant Malky Mackay.

“We know it's very difficult and we'll have to be at the top of our game to get anything from it but it's one we're looking forward to,” said Lappin.