Newly-promoted Norwich moved another step closer to clinching the Nationwide Division One title following victory at Vicarage Road.

With West Brom, promoted prior to kick-off following Sunderland's goalless draw at Wigan, beating relegated Bradford at The Hawthorns, Norwich matched their rivals to remain two points clear with three games remaining.

Midfielder Damien Francis gave Norwich a 29th-minute lead after dominating the first half and Leon McKenzie grabbed his eighth goal in 15 games for the club three minutes after the break.

Sean Dyche came close to pulling one back for Watford just after the hour when he hit the woodwork.

But debutant Dominic Blizzard set up a tense final 12 minutes when he headed home to end Norwich's 401-minute shut-out.

Norwich made their intentions known from the off with McKenzie volleying just wide inside two minutes.

Watford, who have won three of their last four games, responded with Lee Cook putting his volley wide.

However, Norwich then settled into a period of domination and came close to taking the lead in the 10th minute.

Captain Adam Drury fired wide after Dyche failed to properly clear Darren Huckerby's cross.

Dyche so nearly made an impact at the other end too when he just failed to direct his header from Cook's corner on target in the 22nd minute.

Six minutes later French teenager Hameur Bouazza tried his luck from 25 yards, but goalkeeper Robert Green was equal to the task.

But Norwich made their dominance count in the 29th minute when Francis fired them into the lead, latching onto McKenzie's pass to steer the ball past Alec Chamberlain.

Norwich doubled their advantage within three minutes of the restart through McKenzie.

Referee Mick Fletcher penalised Chamberlain for picking up Dyche's back pass and Kevin Cooper's free-kick was deflected in by McKenzie.

Norwich were fortunate to keep their two-goal cushion intact just after the hour when Dyche's shot hit the woodwork.

Craig Fleming nearly rubbed salt into the Hornets' wounds moments later but he was denied by a good save from Chamberlain.

But Blizzard made it an interesting finish while Huckerby could have made the game safe for Norwich but for a fine Chamberlain save.

Norwich striker Iwan Roberts came close to scoring against his former club with his first touch, but again Chamberlain saved.

However, Norwich held on to claim their sixth successive win - the first time they have managed such a feat since 1986.

Teams

Watford Chamberlain, Baird, Dyche, Gayle, Mayo, Devlin, Hyde (Blizzard 62), Mahon, Cook, Bouazza (Fitzgerald 62), Dyer.

Subs Not Used: Ardley, Doyley, Pidgeley.

Booked: Mahon.

Goals: Blizzard 78.

Norwich Green, Edworthy, Mackay, Fleming, Drury, Cooper (McVeigh 87), Francis, Holt, Huckerby, Svensson (Roberts 90), McKenzie (Mulryne 70).

Subs Not Used: Brennan, Crichton.

Booked: Mackay.

Goals: Francis 29, McKenzie 48.

Att: 19,290

Ref: M Fletcher (Worcestershire).