NORWICH City goalkeeper John Ruddy says a nightmare start was the decisive factor in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.

Martin Olsson was dismissed for handball inside the opening 60 seconds, and although Rangers missed the subsequent penalty they moved into a 2-0 lead before the break.

City kept themselves in the contest by containing the hosts, with Steven Naismith's 78th minute header giving hope of salvaging a point against the odds.

However, it was to ultimately prove in vain, and after the match Ruddy told Norwich City TV: "To start in that manner, I've never been involved in something like that.

"I think Martin's very unlucky to be sent off. The ball's come along way from a throw-in, we haven't dealt with it and I've come out to try and smother the ball.

"Next thing I know, Olss is cradling it on the line and gets a kick up the backside. We could have had a foul ourselves, but the referee made the decision.

"We then conceded a sloppy goal from a set-piece, and the second goal is equally as sloppy."

Ruddy paid tribute to the efforts of over 3,000 travelling supporters, and added: "It's another fantastic following from the away crowd.

"They were vocal throughout the game in a supportive manner, which we appreciate. This run is disheartening, because I've got a lot of affection for this club.

"Norwich have given me a lot; it's my home. The results don't lie though, we've lost four in a row and that's not good enough.

"It's down to us as players, not as individuals, to rectify that. We need to make sure we are working hard for each other, now more than ever."

JOHN RUDDY ON QPR DEFEAT

More Club

#NCFC

Principal Partners

Primary Partners