Norwich remain three points clear of second-placed West Brom at the top of Nationwide Division One after a blood-and-thunder clash at Carrow Road.

The Baggies created the better early chances but Norwich dominated the last hour and appeared to be hard done by on a number of occasions by referee Brian Curson.

But with Darren Huckerby stifled throughout by the ferocious man-marking of James Chambers, Norwich were barely able to create a single clear-cut chance.

Jason Koumas showed the game's first moment of quality when he burst past a host of Norwich defenders only for his shot to slide narrowly wide of the far post with Robert Green beaten.

And Norwich were lucky not to go behind on the half hour after a major error by Green.

The Canaries goalkeeper came racing out of his area to intercept a long ball - only for Delroy Facey to reach it first.

He skipped easily round Green but from out wide could not find the power to find the net and Craig Fleming was able to clear off the line with a suspicion of handball.

But in the final minutes of the half Norwich started to show the form which has propelled them to the top of the table.

Damien Francis should have scored with a stooping header from Jim Brennan's cross but could only direct it straight at Russell Hoult.

And Norwich were then incensed as Huckerby finally got away from Chambers and appeared to be brought down when through on goal, only for Curson to wave play on.

West Brom survived two further penalty appeals just before the break while Brennan was inches away from breaking the deadlock when his downward header from Paul McVeigh's hanging cross dropped just wide.

The second half began in the same frantic manner and despite some bright passing from the home team, Green was soon forced into a terrific save.

The Norwich goalkeeper could only parry Facey's right-wing cross but reacted brilliantly to beat out former Norwich midfielder Andy Johnson's opportunist header.

But with Francis and Gary Holt bossing the midfield it was the home side who remained on top and half chances fell to McVeigh, whose drive was deflected just over, and Malky Mackay who diverted a corner just past the post.

Strikers Mathias Svensson and Leon McKenzie both came off the bench as Norwich pushed for the breakthrough and the Carrow Road faithful believed the Swede had won a penalty when Thomas Gaardsoe appeared to impede him as he chased a long ball into the box, but Curson again dismissed their appeals.

Huckerby almost had the final say when he showed brilliant control to turn Chambers in the box but his low shot was blocked by Sean Gregan.

Teams:

Norwich Green, Edworthy, Mackay, Fleming, Drury (Mulryne 59), McVeigh (McKenzie 88), Francis, Holt, Brennan, Roberts (Svensson 71), Huckerby.

Subs Not Used: Crichton, Shackell.

Booked: Holt, Svensson.

West Brom Hoult, Haas, Gregan, Gaardsoe, Robinson, Johnson, Koumas, Kinsella (Clement 88), Chambers, Horsfield, Facey (Dobie 64).

Subs Not Used: Murphy, O'Connor, Volmer.

Booked: Haas, Robinson, Dobie.

Att: 23,223

Ref: B Curson (Leicestershire).