Tuesday 16 September 2014 22:59, UK
Norwich boss Neil Adams admitted his side came through a stern test of their promotion credentials after they beat Brentford 3-0 to climb to the top of the Sky Bet Championship.
Second-half goals from Alexander Tettey and Cameron Jerome's double lifted the Canaries two points above Nottingham Forest - for 24 hours at least - but Brentford will wonder how they came away with nothing.
The newly-promoted hosts would have gone above Norwich with a win and could have been three or four goals ahead after a one-sided first half.
But City somehow held out until half-time, and then broke away ruthlessly to snatch the points after the interval.
Adams said: "We've been tested to the limit, and it was a good test of character.
"I said at half-time I felt we could win the game and our quality would shine through.
"It's a bit unfair on Brentford, it looks like they've been battered but it was a lot closer than that.
"We've scored three different goals which is very pleasing, and it's nice that the goals are being spread around.
"You have to start the season well so from our point of view we are delighted with our start.
"You don't get anything in September but if you ask me where I'd rather be, it's at the top."
The result was harsh on Brentford, who were made to pay for a defensive lapse for the opening goal and complained they should have had a penalty moments before the second.
They dominated the first half with Andre Gray going close three times and John Ruddy making fine saves to deny Alan McCormack and Alex Pritchard.
However, Norwich broke the deadlock in the 68th minute when James Tarkowski was caught in possession in his own half and Wes Hoolahan laid the ball across for Tettey to slot home.
There was controversy five minutes later when Jos Hooiveld appeared to foul Pritchard in the area but nothing was given - and Norwich immediately broke away again with Jerome diving to head in Steven Whittaker's cross.
Jerome, making his first league start for the Canaries, wrapped up the win in style seven minutes from time when he rifled in a stunning third from 25 yards.
Bees boss Mark Warburton felt the penalty incident was crucial and fumed: "I saw it as a shocking decision.
"From 15 minutes onwards we were very good and Ruddy was the busier of the two keepers. We should have been ahead at half-time.
"Then we weathered a storm at the start of the second half, but made a mistake with Tarkowski's loose pass and went one down.
"But then Pritchard goes down in the final third and am I the only one who thought that was a penalty? Maybe I should go to Specsavers if I am."
