Norwich kick-started their promotion push by registering their first league win of 2003 thanks to Paul McVeigh's solitary strike against nine-man Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

City, who have slipped to eighth in Division One - their worst position of the season - capitalised on their numerical advantage after United had Wayne Quinn and Peter Ndlovu sent off.

It also condemned United to their fourth successive league defeat as their promotion charge continues to stutter.

Norwich, without an away win since September 28, nearly fell behind in the sixth minute when Ndlovu, one of four changes made by manager Neil Warnock, fired in a shot from the edge of the box which visiting goalkeeper Rob Green did well to block.

However, it was Norwich who almost twice took the lead against the run of play when David Healy managed to squeeze in a shot which forced Kenny to tip the ball round the post for a corner.

Clint Easton swung over the kick and Iwan Roberts, making his 250th appearance, thumped a header which was well saved by Kenny.

Healy was becoming a menace for the Blades defence and was twice denied by Kenny. Roberts and Steen Nedergaard also forced fine saves from the inspired keeper as Norwich dominated after the break, but Quinn's sending-off proved the decisive moment.

The on-loan Newcastle defender was dismissed for his second bookable offence in the 60th minute and nine minutes later McVeigh scored the winning goal for Norwich.

The Northern Ireland international danced his way through the United defence to bury a shot into the back of the net - his 14th goal of an impressive campaign.

Ndlovu was also sent off for his second bookable offence in the final minute to cap a miserable afternoon for the Blades.

Teams

Sheff Utd Kenny, Kozluk, Quinn, Yates (Cryan 67), Page, Brown, McCall (Morrison 81), Ndlovu, Tonge (Montgomery 45), Allison, Mooney.

Subs Not Used: Peschisolido, Thompson.

Sent Off: Quinn (61), Ndlovu (90).

Booked: Quinn, Brown, Ndlovu.

Norwich Green, Kenton, Drury, Mackay, Fleming, Holt, Easton, Nedergaard, McVeigh, Roberts, Healy (Henderson 83).

Subs Not Used: Abbey, Briggs, Rivers, Crichton.

Booked: Healy, Henderson.

Goals: McVeigh 69.

Att: 19,020

Ref: N Ryan (Cheshire).