Honours even at St Mary's

Norwich City battled back from a goal down to earn a point against Southampton in a battle between in-form sides at St Mary's this evening.

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The home side were the first to go close on 25 minutes when Lambert found Adam Lallana in space on the edge of the area. Lallana struck a left-footed volley which went just over the bar.

Wes Hoolahan looked lively for Norwich, who struggled to create chances in the opening 45 minutes.

Lambert made the breakthrough after 32 minutes when he reacted quickest to a deflected Lallana free kick to poke home from close range.

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Norwich equalised just before the interval when Paulo Gazzaniga failed to keep out a free kick from Robert Snodgrass at his near post.

Jose Fonte missed a header from just six-yards out early in the second half after a cross from Gaston Ramirez.

Grant Holt and Hoolahan forced Gazzaniga to make a pair of good saves before Jason Puncheon responded for Saints when he went close with a strike from range.

Saints tried to apply pressure in the closing stages but Chris Hughton's side held firm to stretch their unbeaten run to eight league games.