Veteran striker Iwan Roberts earned First Division leaders Norwich three
precious points as his solitary strike was enough to beat Sheffield United at
Carrow Road.
The 35-year-old, out of contract at the end of the season, struck the winner
in the 59th minute to keep the Canaries - boosted by the part-opening of the new
South Stand which allowed an extra 3,000 supporters into Carrow Road for the
crunch clash - two points clear of second-placed West Brom.
It was also the 94th goal of Roberts' Norwich career - and one which could go
a long to way towards securing their Premiership dream.
The goal came seconds after United had a penalty appeal waved away by referee
Barry Knight after he failed to spot a tug by Norwich defender Craig Fleming on
Michael Tonge.
Norwich broke and Huckerby went on a run down the left wing. His cross was
only partially cleared and veteran Roberts slotted home.
Wayne Allison then fired over for the visitors before team-mate Paddy Kenny
pulled off a fine save to deny Roberts a second.
The Blades brought on former Norwich forward Paul Peschisolido with 17 minutes
left as they tried to get back on level terms.
But it was Paul McVeigh who so nearly put the result beyond doubt but Kenny
again saved.
Kenny, whose last-minute howler gifted Derby a second goal in the defeat at
Pride Park on Wednesday, came to his side's rescue again to keep out a towering
header by Malky Mackay.
United manager Neil Warnock's trump card nearly paid off with 13 minutes
remaining when Peschisolido almost grabbed the equaliser only for Norwich
goalkeeper Rob Green to foil him.
Chances continued to be created by both sides and Roberts sidefooted a shot
wide while Allison missed a great chance to restore parity.
Wales international defender Robert Page and Allison earlier wasted good
chances to give United a half-time lead.
Tonge delivered a fine cross which Page met but he somehow headed wide with
the goal gaping in the 32nd minute - then Allison headed over Alan Wright's
cross moments later.
For Norwich, Huckerby flashed a shot wide while the blustery conditions nearly
caught out Kenny as Damien Francis' shot caught the elements and came close to
sailing into the net.
But Norwich held on to claim their first win in 2004 - and one which edges
them closer to a return to the top-flight.
Teams:
Norwich: Green, Edworthy, Mackay, Fleming, Drury, McVeigh, Holt, Francis (Mulryne 86), Brennan, Roberts, Huckerby.
Subs Not Used: Crichton, McKenzie, Henderson, Svensson.
Booked: Huckerby.
Goals: Roberts 59.
Sheff Utd Kenny, Kozluk, Phil Jagielka, Page, Wright, Montgomery (Forte 90), McCall (Peschisolido 74), Robinson, Tonge, Shaw (Sturridge 85), Allison.
Subs Not Used: Whitlow, Boussatta.
Att: 18,977
Ref: B Knight (Kent).
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