Grant fumes at vital decision

Norwich boss Peter Grant slammed the match officials after Chris Martin's controversial second half 'goal' was chalked off in last night's pulsating 2-1 Championship defeat against title pretenders Derby County.

Martin's fourth goal in four on 52 minutes had been cancelled out by David Jones' superb dipping effort before the City youngster appeared to have nudged the Canaries back in front.

The teenager slammed past Stephen Bywater after referee Probert had waved play on following Darren Moore's assault during the build up on strike partner Darren Huckerby - only for the assistant referee to raise his flag for offside as Martin pulled the trigger.

Jones' cool winner seconds later only poured salt in the wound.

“It was a massive decision,” said Grant. “I don't blame the ref for playing advantage but when its pulled back then it should be a red card. It's as blatant as the nose on my face. Chrissy Martin is offside - I've not got a problem with that, but only because Hucks' gets smashed and he runs onto the ball. The linesman got there as quick as he could - that summed him up all night. Stevie Wonder could've seen that. There all be in the changing room talking to each other saying why they gave the decision they did. I won't get an explanation. I'll probably get pulled up in front of the FA. Darren Moore can not believe he has got away with that one.”

Grant was also critical of Norwich's sloppy second-half defending

“I'm angry with the players but I better chose my words carefully,” he said. “In general play I could not ask for much more. But we've left the lad free for the first goal and tried to cover and got caught out on the second. I told them what to expect from throw ins and they still caught us out. “Derby were there for the taking. You saw how they celebrated at the end. They'll feel they got away with it. That mentality to do the simple things - that's why we are sitting where we are and Derby are top. We've got a soft centre.”