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Sky Bet Championship: Norwich boss Neil Adams eyes promotion after derby win

Bradley Johnson and Neil Adams, Ipswich v Norwich celeb, Championship
Image: Adams (r): Congratulates Bradley Johnson

Neil Adams has called on his Norwich side to make an instant return to the Premier League after a 1-0 derby day victory over Ipswich, whose boss Mick McCarthy had no complaints.

The Canaries made it three consecutive wins thanks to red-hot striker Lewis Grabban claiming the winner and his fourth goal in eight days.

After brushing off an opening day defeat at Wolves, Adams believes the club should be challenging for promotion come May - a fact backed up by disappointed Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy.

The City boss was a surprise appointment for many in the summer, but he has quickly won over any doubting fans.

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Adams praises match-winner Grabban

"I know there were some doubts when I got the job, but it is all about results," Adams told Sky Sports.

"We are a Premier League club - we should be in the Premier League. We don't have to sell any players, only if someone offers the right price, and I am delighted with the five players we have brought in."

Norwich claimed all three points in a match high on passion but too often lacking real entertainment.

Ipswich will look at their own part in Grabban's 24th minute winner with indecision from keeper Dean Gerken and midfielder Cole Skuse allowing the free-scoring striker to head home from close range.

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Ipswich 0 Norwich 1 - Highlights

The home side should have equalised five minutes after the restart when Daryl Murphy's header narrowly missed the target, but in truth it would have been harsh on Norwich.

Their own margin of victory should have been extended by Grabban who chipped over when clean through before being denied by a flying save from Gerken and then later a goal-line clearance from Ipswich defender Tommy Smith.

"I have played in East Anglian derbies and it means just as much to win as a manager. It is not an easy place to go but I and the players knew exactly what it meant to our supporters," Adams added.

"It is only three points but this is a massive game for the supporters."

Ipswich manager Mick McCarthy
Image: McCarthy: Left disappointed

McCarthy had little complaints after losing to a side he has tipped to be in the promotion shake-up at the end of the season.

"It was a hard-fought game - the goal changed the course of it and the momentum," McCarthy said.

"Losing 1-0 allowed them to catch us on the break in the second half although we had a gilt-edged chance with Daryl Murphy's header.

"It is no disgrace in how we played against a side who will be challenging. It is just difficult when it is your nearest and not so dearest."

Speaking after the game, Adams also made a public apology to McCarthy and Ipswich assistant manager Terry Connor for forgetting to shake their hand after the match.

Adams instead went over to thank the travelling Norwich fans with a clearly put-out McCarthy describing the incident as a "lesson in etiquette".

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