English Premiership
Norwich hold Wigan
2011-08-13 19:12
London - Premier League new-boys Norwich made an encouraging start on their return to the top-flight as they battled back to earn a 1-1 draw at Wigan on Saturday.
Paul Lambert's side have made a rapid rise through the divisions after winning back to back promotions from League One and then Championship and they look capable of consolidating their place among the elite on the evidence of this gutsy display.
The Canaries' spirit was tested when Ben Watson's penalty gave Wigan the lead midway through the first half and they were up to the challenge, equalising thanks to Wes Hoolahan's strike on the stroke of half-time.
Wigan were beaten 4-0 by newly-promoted Blackpool on the opening day of last season and, although this was a better result, Latics boss Roberto Martinez will still be concerned by an inconsistent performance.
Norwich carved out an opening in the 18th minute when Wales striker Steve Morison, a close-season signing from Millwall, cut the ball back for Hoolahan, who scuffed his attempt off-target.
But Wigan were ahead three minutes later when Franco Di Santo dispossessed Ritchie De Laet and surged into the penalty area before being hauled down by the trailing Norwich defender.
Watson gave Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy no chance as he smashed in the resulting spot-kick.
However, Norwich got back on level terms just before the interval when Wigan goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi spilled Morison's cross and Hoolahan was on hand to lash in.
Wigan came close to an immediate response and Di Santo went down in the area under a challenge by Russell Martin before the former Chelsea forward headed over after connecting with Moses' cross.
The hosts finished strongly in a scrappy second half and Watson almost won it with five minutes remaining but his effort came back off a post.
Moses and substitute Hugo Rodallega also had shots blocked as Norwich hung on for the draw.