By Neil Johnston BBC Sport

A stoppage-time penalty by Grant Holt denied Blackburn as Norwich fought back to secure a dramatic point.

Junior Hoilett's 20-yard finish put Rovers ahead before Steve Morison's stunning strike drew Norwich level.

Yakubu took advantage of John Ruddy's error to put the visitors back in front, with Chris Samba's header stretching their advantage.

Bradley Johnson's heavily deflected shot got Norwich back in it, with Holt levelling after Steven Nzonzi handled.

It was a dramatic finish to an absorbing, fast-paced game but Blackburn will be deeply unhappy with referee Anthony Taylor as the decision to award a penalty against Nzonzi was harsh.

Rovers had thoroughly deserved their half-time lead following a first half in which both teams carved out numerous chances.

Kean bemoans penalty decision

The visitors had not managed an away win in the top flight since the final day of last season, but Mauro Formica set the tone in the second minute with a rasping 25-yard drive which flew narrowly wide.

Blackburn's cause was not helped when Morten Gamst Pedersen and Gael Givet collided going for the same ball, both players emerging bloodied and dazed but otherwise unharmed.

It was only after Yakubu sliced another chance into the side netting, a bad miss by the former Everton striker, that Norwich came to life.

BLACKBURN'S AWAY RESULTS THIS SEASON

  • v Aston Villa 1-3
  • v Fulham 1-1
  • v Newcastle 1-3
  • v QPR 1-1
  • v Norwich 3-3

Paul Robinson produced a spectacular full-stretch stop to deny David Fox his first goal of the season from 25 yards, before Elliott Bennett fired into the side netting when he should have done much better from eight yards.

It proved a big miss for the Canaries as Blackburn's Hoilett produced a sublime finish into the top corner of the net from 20 yards after evading a couple of challenges in first-half stoppage time.

Norwich were back on level terms through an equally stunning finish by Morison in the 53rd minute, the former Millwall player letting fly from the edge of the area after being played in by Leon Barnett.

But Blackburn looked to have sealed victory with two goals in as many minutes.

Ruddy, who was the hero when his team drew 1-1 at Liverpool last week, gifted Yakubu his third goal since joining from Everton after allowing the Nigerian's shot to creep in at the near post.

Norwich character pleases Lambert

Blackburn's fans were still celebrating that goal when Samba established a two-goal cushion for his side after taking advantage of some poor Norwich marking to nod home Pedersen's free-kick from close range.

When Johnson's 83rd-minute effort defelected in off Jason Lowe it looked like nothing more than a consolation before the referee pointed to the penalty spot deep into stoppage time after Nzonzi was adjudged to have handled.

Blackburn's players strongly appealed but substitute Holt kept his composure to earn the hosts a dramatic point.

Norwich boss Paul Lambert:

"The character my players showed was terrific. I'm delighted with the desire they showed not to be beaten.

"Obviously I'm not happy with the goals we conceded, particularly the two goals in the second half. But as for their penalty, I didn't really see it.

"I also haven't seen on the video yet but the referee has called it and he's made the decision.

"We've had a lot of decisions go against us this season. It's definitely a point gained."

Blackburn manager Steve Kean:

"I feel as though three points have been grasped away from us.

"I asked the referee about the penalty and he told me that Steven had handled the ball. But I've seen it 10 times now and he only had his arms up because he was appealing for a free-kick.

"If the referee sees it again then I'm sure he will admit he was wrong to award it.

"We've just got to keep going. It's tough but we've got to move on."

Lineup, Bookings (3) & Substitutions (6)

Norwich City

  • 01 Ruddy
  • 02 R Martin
  • 20 Barnett Booked
  • 23 Tierney
  • 25 Naughton
  • 04 Johnson
  • 12 Pilkington (Jackson - 75' )
  • 14 Hoolahan
  • 15 Fox (Crofts - 75' )
  • 17 Bennett Booked (Holt - 68' )
  • 05 Morison

Substitutes

  • 13 Rudd
  • 24 De Laet
  • 07 Crofts
  • 11 Surman
  • 09 Holt
  • 10 Jackson
  • 21 Wilbraham

Blackburn Rovers

  • 01 Robinson
  • 03 Olsson
  • 04 Samba
  • 05 Givet
  • 10 Formica
  • 12 Pedersen
  • 15 Nzonzi
  • 35 Lowe Booked
  • 20 Rochina (Dunn - 69' )
  • 23 Hoilett (Petrovic - 81' )
  • 24 Yakubu (Goodwillie - 69' )

Substitutes

  • 13 Bunn
  • 31 Hanley
  • 08 Dunn
  • 14 Petrovic
  • 29 Vukcevic
  • 25 Goodwillie
  • 30 Roberts
Ref: Taylor
Att: 26,440

Match Stats

Shots

13 12

On target

6 7

Corners

6 2

Fouls

9 10

Live Text Commentary

90:00 +5:33 Full time

Full Time The referee signals the end of the game.

90:00 +4:42

Wesley Hoolahan produces a cross.

90:00 +3:05 Goal scored

Goal - Grant Holt - Norwich 3 - 3 Blackburn Penalty taken right-footed by Grant Holt and scored. Norwich 3-3 Blackburn.

90:00 +2:19

Handball decision goes against Steven Nzonzi.

90:00 +1:41

Jason Lowe gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Grant Holt. Free kick crossed left-footed by Bradley Johnson from left channel.

90:00 +0:53

The ball is crossed by Steve Morison, clearance made by Martin Olsson.

90:00 +0:10

Grant Holt produces a cross, Effort from close range by Simeon Jackson goes wide left of the target.

88:58

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Nzonzi by Grant Holt. Direct free kick taken by Paul Robinson.

87:48

The ball is swung over by David Dunn, Leon Barnett makes a clearance.

87:09

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Martin Olsson by Andrew Crofts. Morten Gamst Pedersen takes the direct free kick.

86:29

The offside flag is raised against David Goodwillie. Russell Martin restarts play with the free kick.

85:19

Drilled right-footed shot by Steven Nzonzi. Blocked by Bradley Johnson.

84:43

Radosav Petrovic takes a shot. Kyle Naughton gets a block in.

83:23

Morten Gamst Pedersen challenges Andrew Crofts unfairly and gives away a free kick. Kyle Naughton restarts play with the free kick.

81:47 Goal scored

Goal - Bradley Johnson - Norwich 2 - 3 Blackburn Bradley Johnson grabs a goal from outside the area high into the middle of the goal. Norwich 2-3 Blackburn.

80:54 Substitution

Substitution (Blackburn) makes a substitution, with Radosav Petrovic coming on for David Hoilett.

80:33

David Dunn has a shot on goal from outside the box which misses left.

79:15

Outswinging corner taken by Kyle Naughton from the right by-line, Leon Barnett takes a shot. Save by Paul Robinson.

79:06

The ball is crossed by Grant Holt, clearance by Gael Givet.

78:25 Booking

Booking Jason Lowe goes into the book for time wasting.

77:21

The ball is delivered by Kyle Naughton, Wesley Hoolahan takes a shot. Save by Paul Robinson.

76:25

Foul by Mauro Formica on Wesley Hoolahan, free kick awarded. Free kick taken by Bradley Johnson.

74:39 Substitution

Substitution (Norwich) makes a substitution, with Simeon Jackson coming on for Anthony Pilkington.

74:39 Substitution

Substitution David Fox goes off and Andrew Crofts comes on.

70:25

Shot from just outside the box by Kyle Naughton goes over the bar.

70:21

The ball is crossed by Marc Tierney, clearance made by Martin Olsson.

68:39

Direct free kick taken by Paul Robinson.

68:39 Substitution

Substitution David Goodwillie replaces Ayegbeni Yakubu.

68:39 Substitution

Substitution Ruben Rochina goes off and David Dunn comes on.

68:39

Unfair challenge on Mauro Formica by Marc Tierney results in a free kick.

68:33

The ball is crossed by Marc Tierney, clearance by Gael Givet.

67:24

David Fox takes the outswinging corner, clearance by Ayegbeni Yakubu.

67:24 Substitution

Substitution Grant Holt is brought on as a substitute for Elliott Bennett.

66:02

The ball is crossed by Elliott Bennett.

63:45

The assist for the goal came from Morten Gamst Pedersen.

63:45 Goal scored

Goal - Christopher Samba - Norwich 1 - 3 Blackburn Christopher Samba scores a headed goal from close range. Norwich 1-3 Blackburn.

63:07

The ball is crossed by Morten Gamst Pedersen,

63:07 Booking

Booking The referee shows Leon Barnett a yellow card for unsporting behaviour.

62:59

Leon Barnett concedes a free kick for a foul on David Hoilett.

62:21

The ball is swung over by Elliott Bennett, Christopher Samba manages to make a clearance.

61:21

Assist by Mauro Formica.

61:21 Goal scored

Goal - Ayegbeni Yakubu - Norwich 1 - 2 Blackburn Ayegbeni Yakubu grabs a goal from just inside the penalty area to the bottom right corner of the goal. Norwich 1-2 Blackburn.

58:27

A cross is delivered by David Hoilett, John Ruddy makes a save.

57:28

A cross is delivered by Martin Olsson.

57:06

The ball is delivered by Martin Olsson, clearance made by Leon Barnett.

54:43

Anthony Pilkington sends in a cross, Bradley Johnson takes a shot. Save by Paul Robinson.

52:40

The assist for the goal came from Leon Barnett.

52:40 Goal scored

Goal - Steve Morison - Norwich 1 - 1 Blackburn Steve Morison fires in a goal from just outside the penalty box to the top left corner of the goal. Norwich 1-1 Blackburn.

52:38

Wesley Hoolahan sends in a cross,

51:30

David Hoilett concedes a free kick for a foul on Elliott Bennett. David Fox delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel, clearance by Steven Nzonzi.

51:22

The ball is crossed by Marc Tierney, Martin Olsson makes a clearance.

48:21

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Kyle Naughton by Ayegbeni Yakubu. Direct free kick taken by John Ruddy.

46:52

Short corner taken by David Fox, Centre by Marc Tierney, save by Paul Robinson.

46:45

Anthony Pilkington produces a cross, clearance by Christopher Samba.

45:37

Steven Nzonzi fouled by Bradley Johnson, the ref awards a free kick. Paul Robinson restarts play with the free kick.

45:01

The referee gets the second half started.

45:00 +4:19 Half time

Half Time The half-time whistle blows.

45:00 +2:54

Assist on the goal came from Martin Olsson.

45:00 +2:54 Goal scored

Goal - David Hoilett - Norwich 0 - 1 Blackburn David Hoilett fires in a goal from outside the penalty area to the top right corner of the goal. Norwich 0-1 Blackburn.

45:00 +1:53

Anthony Pilkington crosses the ball, clearance by Martin Olsson.

45:00 +1:08

Morten Gamst Pedersen takes the outswinging corner, save by John Ruddy.

44:00

The ball is sent over by Marc Tierney, Gael Givet makes a clearance.

42:42

Unfair challenge on Morten Gamst Pedersen by Marc Tierney results in a free kick. Free kick crossed left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen from right channel, Marc Tierney makes a clearance.

42:34

Morten Gamst Pedersen produces a cross, clearance made by Leon Barnett.

42:05

A cross is delivered by Jason Lowe, Anthony Pilkington manages to make a clearance.

41:02

Long range effort by Ruben Rochina goes wide right of the net.

39:22

David Fox challenges David Hoilett unfairly and gives away a free kick. Morten Gamst Pedersen has an effort direct from the free kick, save made by John Ruddy.

37:43

Elliott Bennett produces a cross, Gael Givet manages to make a clearance.

36:28

Martin Olsson produces a cross.

35:09

Anthony Pilkington delivers the ball, Elliott Bennett has an effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the target.

34:57

Ruben Rochina concedes a free kick for a foul on Marc Tierney. Free kick taken by Marc Tierney.

34:06

The ball is crossed by Anthony Pilkington.

33:56

Elliott Bennett sends in a cross.

33:06

The ball is crossed by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

31:47

The ball is crossed by Martin Olsson, clearance by Elliott Bennett.

29:27

Ayegbeni Yakubu gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Leon Barnett. John Ruddy takes the direct free kick.

28:45

Bradley Johnson produces a left-footed shot from just outside the penalty area that goes harmlessly over the target.

28:05

The ball is swung over by Jason Lowe, Russell Martin manages to make a clearance.

27:52

Ayegbeni Yakubu delivers the ball, Russell Martin manages to make a clearance.

27:33

Anthony Pilkington delivers the ball, Christopher Samba manages to make a clearance.

27:25

Steve Morison produces a cross, Jason Lowe makes a clearance.

26:43

Inswinging corner taken right-footed by David Fox from the left by-line to the near post, clearance made by Morten Gamst Pedersen.

26:38

The ball is swung over by Anthony Pilkington, clearance by Jason Lowe.

25:21

The ball is crossed by Anthony Pilkington, Bradley Johnson has a headed effort at goal from deep inside the area missing to the right of the target.

24:42

Ruben Rochina produces a drilled left-footed shot from 25 yards. Marc Tierney gets a block in.

24:42

Ruben Rochina produces a drilled left-footed shot from 25 yards. Leon Barnett gets a block in.

23:48

The free kick is swung in right-footed by Jason Lowe, clearance made by Marc Tierney.

23:48 Booking

Booking Elliott Bennett receives a caution for unsporting behaviour.

23:40

Christopher Samba fouled by Elliott Bennett, the ref awards a free kick.

22:50

A cross is delivered by Elliott Bennett, Steve Morison concedes a free kick for a foul on Christopher Samba. Paul Robinson takes the free kick.

21:00

The referee blows for offside against Steve Morison. Paul Robinson restarts play with the free kick.

20:00

Elliott Bennett delivers the ball, clearance made by Gael Givet.

19:23

Mauro Formica challenges Elliott Bennett unfairly and gives away a free kick. Kyle Naughton takes the free kick.

18:17

The ball is swung over by Mauro Formica, John Ruddy makes a save.

16:24

Inswinging corner taken by David Fox, Christopher Samba makes a clearance.

16:04

Shot from 20 yards by David Fox. Save by Paul Robinson.

15:57

David Fox crosses the ball, clearance by Christopher Samba.

15:30

David Fox takes the outswinging corner, Steven Nzonzi makes a clearance.

15:01

Elliott Bennett sends in a cross, Anthony Pilkington produces a drilled right-footed shot from 20 yards. Steven Nzonzi gets a block in.

14:29

Marc Tierney sends in a cross, Christopher Samba manages to make a clearance.

14:23

The ball is swung over by Marc Tierney, Gael Givet manages to make a clearance.

11:34

Effort on goal by Ayegbeni Yakubu from inside the penalty area goes harmlessly over the bar.

10:06

David Hoilett delivers the ball, clearance made by Leon Barnett.

9:51

David Hoilett produces a cross, Leon Barnett makes a clearance.

9:51

Centre by David Hoilett, Elliott Bennett makes a clearance.

9:07

Anthony Pilkington crosses the ball.

7:00

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Elliott Bennett by Martin Olsson. Kyle Naughton takes the free kick.

6:18

The ball is sent over by Elliott Bennett, save by Paul Robinson.

5:12

A cross is delivered by Anthony Pilkington, Steve Morison produces a right-footed shot from close in that clears the bar.

3:09

Corner taken left-footed by Morten Gamst Pedersen from the right by-line to the near post, Effort on goal by Ayegbeni Yakubu from 6 yards. Clearance made by Marc Tierney.

3:02

The ball is sent over by Ruben Rochina, clearance by Russell Martin.

1:33

Mauro Formica takes a shot from deep inside the box clearing the bar.

1:10

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on David Fox by Ayegbeni Yakubu. Bradley Johnson takes the direct free kick.

0:00

The match gets underway.

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