CITY defender Gary Doherty produced a man of the match display to help earn the Canaries a 1-0 win at Scunthorpe.

But the 28-year-old believed the vital victory at Glanford Park was a result of good team play, rather than individual performances.

The three points at Scunthorpe came courtesy of a Jamie Cureton goal 12 minutes from time, and pushed City up to 18^th place in the Championship table - two points clear of the drop zone.

It was Norwich's fifth win in seven games and maintained an incredible run of form since Glenn Roeder took over as manager at Carrow Road.

At times, City had to survive some scares in their own penalty area as the home side pushed forward in search of an equaliser as the clock ticked down.

But the visitors' defence - and Doherty in particular - stood-up to the challenge to ensure a very happy Christmas for more than 1,300 travelling fans.

"Looking at the two games we've been away at Colchester and away to Scunthorpe. Two big games, and going into the games you realise they are going to be six-pointers, both away from home," said Doherty, who was a giant at the back alongside Shackell. "So to pick up four points out of six is obviously pleasing and now we've got a couple of home games to take our good form into.

"We had a good game. But I think all over the park we worked hard which is the main thing. And sometimes in this league if you work hard it can be enough, especially if you're got good strikers like Curo who can nick you a goal. We know as defenders that if we're solid and reliable then we're more likely to pick up points."

City's win also came with a little bit of help from David Marshall. The big 'keeper pulled off two magnificent saves in the closing stages of the game, first from Cleveland Taylor and then a fingertip stop from Matt Sparrow's curler deep in stoppage time.

"The one towards the end was fantastic, just to tip it round the post," said Doherty. "He's a very calming influence. He's quite a mild man so to have him behind you makes you confident. He's got a great pair of hands and he's a good keeper."

Doherty has looked sharp since returning to the side after fully recovering from the groin injury suffered in the home match with the Iron back in early October.

"People have said that, but I thought my form at the start of the season was good," he said. "In the first 10 games we had a great defensive record until I picked up my injury, so I'm quite confident this season. The last four games I feel like I've played quite well. Obviously it's hard when you're on the injury bench when the new gaffer comes in, so that's obviously disappointing. But the main thing is that I've got myself fit and I'm feeling good and strong and have put in a few good performances so hopefully I can keep that going over Christmas."

Boss Roeder was also pleased with the display by his defenders and goalkeeper, and challenge Doherty to maintain that level of consistency for the rest of the season.

"Very pleased," he said. "I don't like to single out players too often, because it is a team game and it was a team performance. The goalkeeper, Marshy - that's the best I've seen him play. He came and took crosses and made some important saves when he had to.

"And I thought Doherty and Shackell did particularly well. Without doubt, it was probably both players' best performance. Since Doherty has come back into the team his level of consistency has been very good and we need him to carry on playing like that."

Roeder also heaped praise on the travelling army of fans, who braved frosty conditions - as well as Christmas time bank balances - to make the journey.