City end winless run with 1-0 victory at The Hawthorns
ALEX Neil says Saturday's win over West Bromwich Albion has laid the foundations for Norwich City's survival push.Robbie Brady pounced five minutes into the second half to set the Canaries up for a priceless victory in a game of limited opportunities at The Hawthorns.
City were better than their hosts after the break, however, and even though Neil admits it wasn't their best performance on the eye, it's the result that ultimately tells.
Neil's side, who hadn't picked up three points since beating Southampton on January 2, elevated themselves out of the relegation zone thanks to Brady's winner.
The Canaries' boss told Norwich City TV: "It feels good, it has been a long time coming. I think our performances have merited more than what we've got in recent games.
"I wouldn't be convinced that that was the best we've played over the last five or six matches, but at the end of the day it's a win and we're really pleased.
"We're setting foundations to try and build on for these games coming up."
Neil fielded two strikers in the shape of Patrick Bamford and Dieumerci Mbokani, targeting a more direct approach to combat a Baggies team who hadn't lost at home in 2016.
He praised his players for how they adapted to the altered style, adding: "We changed tack a little bit in terms of going a bit more direct by putting the ball into wider areas and trying to get crosses in.
"It managed to work and credit to the players. It was quite different to the way we usually play and they went out there and did exactly what I asked of them.
"I didn't really feel under pressure at any stage. I'm delighted for the players to get their win, it will give them a huge shot in the arm. It's in our own hands.
"We have Newcastle and Sunderland at home and we're good at home, so we need to go and perform as well as we have done of late."
Neil ruled out his team ceding in the fight to stay in the Premier League, commenting: "We'll fight tooth and nail. People thinking that Norwich are down or Norwich have given up are miles off the mark.
"We're ready for a fight and we're going everything we can. Over the recent games you've seen what it means to the players and the fans.
"The fans have been magnificent all season and we're really pleased that we've given them a win to go home with."