CITY showed their battling qualities in grinding out an important win over Wolves on Saturday, according to manager Alex Neil.

Steven Naismith's sweetly-struck volley put the Canaries in front at half-time, but a dramatic second period had nerves jangling among home supporters at Carrow Road.

Carl Ikeme's red card and Robbie Brady's converted penalty tipped the balance in City's favour, with Jonny Howson's late volley wrapping up a 3-1 win.

Neil said afterwards: "I'm pleased. I thought it was a really good performance, we were on top and deservedly won the game.

"We won fights and scraps and battles. I thought Jonny Howson and Alex Tettey were excellent.

"It's something we've maybe lacked in certain games; it's something I've got to get into the players. Sometimes to win these types of games, you need to roll your sleeves up.

"You need to do the dirty bits of the game and I thought we did that extremely well, that was a big step forward for us today."

Helder Costa's spot-kick after Ivo Pinto's foul on Matt Doherty had drawn Wolves level on 57 minutes, and Neil gave his view on the referee's decision post-match.

"The penalties were difficult for me to see in both boxes, because they were so close to the touchline," he added.

"They'd made their three subs and had to put an outfield player in goal; their goalie didn't respond in the way he should have done and deservedly got his red card.

"Wes got the penalty and turned round, then it was unprofessional from the goalie and he got his punishment.

"We showed the character to go on and win the game. I thought the players were great."

ALEX NEIL: WE FOUGHT FOR IT

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