Lambert wanted three points

Lambert: Held by Forest

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Paul Lambert felt his Norwich side should have beaten Nottingham Forest after they fought back to secure a 1-1 draw at the City Ground.

Forest took the lead against the run of play 10 minutes before half-time when Dexter Blackstock converted from the penalty spot after Russell Martin had tripped Paul Anderson.

But Norwich, who twice hit the woodwork in the opening six minutes, levelled in the 42nd minute when Andrew Crofts scooped the ball over Lee Camp - once on loan at Carrow Road - from 12 yards.

Both sides had chances to take the lead in the second half with Robert Earnshaw being denied a winner in the 89th minute when his shot hit the post.

But Lambert felt his side could have secured all three points against Billy Davies' men.

The former Colchester boss said: "I thought we were excellent right from the off today. Our enthusiasm for the game was brilliant and I really felt that we deserved to win it.

"Forest are a top, top side and we know that a side of their quality are going to get chances but I thought we were absolutely brilliant in everything we did.

"You have to remember that we were languishing in League One this time last year but the performance today showed how far we have come.

"Since the opening-day loss against Watford we've picked up some big, big results and although we are not one of the fancied sides in this division we'll keep working hard and see where it gets us.

Forest reaction

"Sometimes you create a monster in football and do so well that people expect you to win every week but we'll do our best very. It's a hard league but the fact is that we are here on merit and we are playing really well."

Davies knew Forest were not at their best and admitted his side did not do enough to win that game.

He said: "The fact is that we looked leggy and didn't play well. You have to give Norwich a lot of credit. They are high on confidence and there is a spring in their step after what they have achieved over the last 12 months.

"On the positive side as far as we are concerned we are three games unbeaten and although we didn't deserve it, we could easily have sneaked a win.

"Robert Earnshaw has hit the post and that's the third time this season he has done that.

"It's the kind of thing that is happening to us. We are not getting the rub of the green but sometimes it is a very thin dividing line between success and failure."