Chris Lakey reviews Norwich City's controversial 3-3 draw at Reading.
Skipper Grant Holt was sent off and manager Paul Lambert sent to the stands as Norwich City took a hard-earned point from a six-goal thriller at the Madejski Stadium.
City were leading 3-1 when Holt was shown the red card in the final minute of the first half by 25-year-old referee Michael Oliver for a foul on Ian Harte, and it proved a turning point as they survived a second-half onslaught..
Russell Martin had given City a 16th-minute lead with his second goal of the season and Holt made it 2-0 10 minutes later after intercepting a poor backpass by opposing captain Matt Mills.
Harte reduced the arrears two minutes later but when Chris Martin fired in a direct free-kick to make it 3-1, City looked in control.
Holt's dismissal on the stroke of half-time put them on the back foot and Reading dominated the second half with a one-man advantage.
Noel Hunt pulled a goal back on 59 minutes and, two minutes later, it was 3-3 when Shane Long scored from the spot after a foul by Simon Lappin.
City made three changes in the closing stages and held on for a point, with manager Paul Lambert sent to the stand in stoppage time.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here