Eddie Lewis' sensational free-kick rescued a precious point for Leeds after Norwich threatened to pull of a shock victory at Elland Road.

Rob Hulse scored his 12th goal of the season after 20 minutes to put Kevin Blackwell's side on course for a seventh successive home win.

But Norwich produced a vibrant second-half display which was richly rewarded with goals from Andy Hughes and Paul McVeigh.

However, Lewis produced a delightful free-kick into the top corner in the last minute as Leeds gained a point which could prove crucial in the final reckoning.

Blackwell's side were unchanged from their 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace last week as they sought to maintain the pressure on second-placed Sheffield United.

They began strongly and a dangerous cross from Gary Kelly narrowly failed to find Hulse's head as Canaries goalkeeper Robert Green showed a safe pair of hands to calmly pluck the ball out of the air.

However, Leon McKenzie almost caught the Leeds rearguard napping moments later as he broke free inside the penalty area but his weak left-foot effort failed to trouble Neil Sullivan.

The Canaries' organisation and impressive work-rate suggested they had the qualities required to clinch their first away win of 2006.

Simon Charlton began to link well with former Leeds striker Darren Huckerby down the left flank as the hosts initially struggled to gain a foothold on the game.

A swift counter-attack on 13 minutes saw Leeds midfielder Liam Miller break from inside his own half and carry the ball deep into Norwich territory.

His pass released Robbie Blake inside the visitors' penalty box but the former Bradford and Burnley striker dithered and allowed Norwich to clear the danger.

Two minutes later Blake fired narrowly wide from 20 yards as Leeds began to enjoy a spell of sustained pressure.

Hulse then attempted an audacious overhead kick from another dangerous Kelly cross, and was only inches away from making solid contact just six yards from goal.

However, Gary Doherty cleared the danger before Leeds mounted yet another attack which reaped rich dividends after 20 minutes.

The industrious Blake crossed from the right flank and USA winger Lewis flicked the ball over Doherty on the edge of the box and then miscued a left-foot volley.

However, the ball fell kindly into the path of Hulse, who simply controlled the ball and slotted it home unopposed from 10 yards to put Leeds ahead.

Leeds continued to ask questions of Norwich but the Canaries were level three minutes before the hour mark when Charlton's deep, diagonal ball found Hughes completely unmarked inside Leeds' box.

The midfielder took one touch to control the ball and shoot past Sullivan to leave Elland Road stunned.

The Canaries began to dominate and they edged ahead after 75 minutes when Huckerby found McVeigh in space 12 yards from goal and he rifled a low shot past Sullivan.

However, Leeds rallied in the closing stages and Lewis converted a free-kick in the last minute from 20 yards after Paul Butler was fouled by Doherty.

Teams

Leeds Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Gregan, Crainey,Miller (Bakke 79), Douglas, Derry, Lewis, Hulse,Blake (Healy 69).

Subs Not Used: Bennett, Moore, Kilgallon.

Booked: Derry, Crainey, Gregan.

Goals: Hulse 20, Lewis 90.

Norwich Green, Fleming, Doherty, Shackell, Drury, McVeigh,Hughes, Robinson, Charlton (Safri 84), Huckerby (Earnshaw 90),McKenzie (Johansson 86).

Subs Not Used: Gallacher, Etuhu.

Booked: Fleming, Doherty.

Goals: Hughes 57, McVeigh 75.

Att: 24,993

Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).