Paddy’s Pointers: Five observations from Norwich City’s 1-1 Championship draw against Ipswich Town

Jonny Howson goes on the attack against Ipswich Town. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

1. Sweet and sour - Jacob Murphy's split-second indecision in failing to sense the danger from Jordan Spence's flighted cross was all Jonas Knudsen needed to power in behind to head Ipswich Town in front. The young man with a burgeoning reputation would have known what was coming if Norwich City had failed to get back on levels terms. Credit Murphy for altering the course of this derby in a positive fashion with a flashing strike that was the only thing to beat an inspired Bartosz Bialkowski. Another sharp learning curve for the young man in the white heat of derby day.

2. Hip, hip, hooray - Ipswich's longevity languishing in the Championship was gloriously heralded by the Norwich City fans who burst into a pre-meditated round of applause in the 15th minute to mark Town's length of tenure in the second tier. No doubt those from Suffolk failed to see the funny side but a fixture known for its fierce intensity and in the context of the caustic banter that exists between these East Anglian rivals it was a pertinent reminder for all City's relative struggles on the pitch this season there is always someone worse off than yourself.

3. Derby dominance. Tick. Promotion push. Question mark - Norwich City's unbeaten run in this neighbourly dust-up is now eight and counting. But perhaps the most telling statistic is they failed to make serious inroads into that six-point gap to sixth-placed Sheffield Wednesday. Alex Neil was upbeat after the game but reiterated a share of the derby spoils only serves to ratchet up the pressure on the next trip to Hillsborough.

4. Key men back - The reassuring sight of Steven Naismith and Ivo Pinto back on parade may not have translated into an East Anglian derby victory. Naismith at times looked like a man who had just lost his edge after a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury. Nevertheless, if City intend to buck the odds and force themselves into the top six the starting XI who took the field against Ipswich looked Norwich's strongest. Nelson Oliveira would certainly have cause to argue and Neil's positive injury bulletin on the Portuguese striker's fitness after this draw was further reason for encouragement.

5. Imitation the best form of flattery - Alex Neil highlighted a change of style from Ipswich in his pre-match press briefing. The Blues have altered formation and, even without the impressive Tom Lawrence through suspension, had enough creative talent in the form of David McGoldrick to try and grab a greater share of possession than in recent derby tussles, where hitting Daryl Murphy appeared the plan A, B, C and D. Norwich, under Neil, always look at their best against sides wiling to let them play and take them on in a game of football. But Town's defensive work without the ball and the shot-stopping prowess of Bartosz Bialkowski ensured they had something to show for their style makeover.