Norwich extended their advantage at the top of the First Division after an emphatic victory over struggling Derby at Pride Park.

New signing Darren Huckerby was missing from the Norwich line-up having failed to register in time but Craig Fleming, Malky Mackay, Paul McVeigh and Leon McKenzie chipped in with goals.

Mathias Svensson, scorer of three goals in 10 appearances while on loan at Derby earlier in the season, opened hostilities after shaping well to improvise a scoring opportunity but skewing his effort wide from 18 yards.

Norwich went close again when, after a Paul McVeigh corner, Ian Henderson saw his point-blank effort brilliantly saved by Lee Grant, who was relieved moments later when McKenzie fired inches wide on the break.

The hosts' first effort on goal arrived in the 18th minute but proved worth waiting for as Norwich goalkeeper Rob Green athletically palmed away a thunderbolt from Tom Huddlestone before, at the other end, McKenzie was denied from close range by Grant.

As half-time approached, Green again came to the visitors' rescue when saving at the feet of Holmes and Grant managed to keep out a McVeigh overhead kick.

Grant was called into action at his near post five minutes after half-time when McKenzie broke clear and fired goalwards only to see his effort batted away.

But Norwich were celebrating 60 seconds later as the deadlock was broken in controversial style after Grant landed awkwardly in a heap on the penalty spot after a challenge from McKenzie.

Grant remained motionless but referee Graham Laws allowed play to continue around him as Fleming seized the opportunity to power home from 18 yards with Derby boss George Burley furious.

The Derby goalkeeper was allowed treatment before the restart but Laws appeared in danger of losing control as the home team began exacting retribution on Norwich.

Lee Morris, Marcus Tudgay and Holmes continued to make nuisances of themselves but clear-cut opportunities failed to materialise for Derby who saw the game slip away from them in the final 15 minutes.

Norwich would have stretched their advantage had McVeigh's stupendous 25-yard volley hit the net not the crossbar but the final destination of the points was confirmed when Mackay ghosted in at the back post to head home a McVeigh free-kick in the 78th minute.

Two minutes later McVeigh converted Gary Holt's cross from the left and when Youl Mawene pulled down McKenzie inside the box, the striker stepped up to stroke home his 88th-minute penalty.

Teams

Derby Grant, Jackson, Mawene, Johnson, Zavagno, Bolder, Taylor, Huddlestone (Costa 64), Holmes (McLeod 78), Tudgay, Morris.

Subs Not Used: Camp, Mills, Boertien.

Booked: Zavagno, Taylor.

Norwich Green, Edworthy, Fleming, Mackay, Drury, Henderson (Brennan 45), Holt, Francis, McVeigh, McKenzie (Jarvis 90), Svensson (Roberts 86).

Subs Not Used: Crichton, Easton.

Booked: Drury, McVeigh.

Goals: Fleming 51, Mackay 78, McVeigh 81, McKenzie 88 pen.

Att: 23,783

Ref: G Laws (Tyne & Wear).