Ipswich 1 Norwich 5

PAUL LAMBERT piled praise on his players last night after Norwich moved into pole position for promotion to the Premier League.

The Canaries romped to victory against local rivals Ipswich at Portman Road and moved up into second place in the npower Championship.

And the points keep Norwich on course to become the first team in a decade to win successive promotions from the third to top tier of English football.

Former Celtic and Scotland star Lambert said: "No game is easy and you have to earn the right to win football matches.

"I thought my team were extraordinary, the football they played. It was incredible right from the off.

"We were up against a team which have been on fire lately and a vibrant crowd.

"To come here and do what we have done was a big, big test of character and the performance was excellent.

"The thing that's noticeable is they are playing without fear. At this stage of the season it may get a bit edgy but the way the lads are going at the minute is extraordinary."

Some 2000 travelling fans headed back up the A140 dreaming of a first taste of Premier League football since 2005 but Carrow Road gaffer Lambert was quick to stress top-flight football hasn't yet been secured.

He added: "They will have about 500 DVDs getting made right now probably - but I have seen it all before. The pressure is already there when you play football, there is no need to add to it.

"Cardiff are still in the driving seat because they have a game in hand. But all we can do is win our games. We have done everything we can to hang in."

The Canaries took the lead through Andrew Surman in 13 minutes. An own goal from Gareth McAuley doubled the advantage before half an hour was on the clock.

Simeon Jackson made it 3-0 then Jimmy Bullard hit a thunderbolt consolation.

City's Russell Martin swept home a fourth and sub Daniel Pacheco chalked up No.5 in stoppage time to move Norwich two points above Cardiff who play leaders QPR tomorrow.

Ipswich boss Paul Jewell said: "It was disappointing.

"It was a local derby, a full house and you try to put on a decent show for supporters so the scoreline is embarrassing."

Ed Casey (Daily Record)