Just one point now separates Norwich from the Coca-Cola Championship relegation zone after Jermaine Johnson's deflected strike earned Sheffield Wednesday a 1-0 win at Carrow Road.

A nervous opening 10 minutes from the home side set the tone for the remainder of the half with Owls striker Marcus Tudgay coming closest to breaking the deadlock early on.

Norwich failed to threaten whatsoever until a loose ball in the 30th minute broke to defender Jason Shackell but his brave header from six yards out was expertly smothered by Owls goalkeeper Lee Grant.

The deadlock was broken in the 47th minute and it was the visitors who took a deserved lead as unlucky defender Jon Otsemobor deflected Johnson's hopeful effort past stranded Canaries keeper David Marshall.

The home fans were convinced their team had grabbed the vital equaliser six minutes from time but David Mooney's strike was ruled out for a foul on the Wednesday keeper.

Wednesday youngster Tommy Spurr was given his marching orders a minute before the final whistle following a second bookable offence but the 10 men held on for all three points.

The anxiety was tangible around Carrow Road with the home crowd painfully aware results elsewhere could drag them down into the bottom three once again.

Their worst fears were almost realised early on when Tudgay twice found himself in space but was thwarted both times by keeper Marshall.

Norwich began to gradually gain their composure and could have snatched an undeserved lead as Simon Lappin's deep corner dropped to centre-back Shackell, only for goalkeeper Grant to foil his header with a courageous block.

But, just two minutes into the second period Norwich were left with a mountain to climb as the Owls took a deserved lead in fortuitous circumstances.

The goal came as a loose ball fell to midfielder Johnson who lashed in a ferocious drive into a body of players from 12 yards, and hapless defender Otsemobor was unable to avoid deflecting the ball beyond the wrong-footed Marshall.

Johnson's opener only served to invigorate the visitors and they set about extending their lead immediately with Owls full debutant Luke Varney curling a delicate shot from the edge of the area which centre-back Gary Doherty did superbly well to block.

But, there was more danger to be dealt with from the resulting corner as Sean McAllister's mis-hit effort almost fell to Tudgay but again Doherty was on hand to offer a vital intervention.

The Canaries looked woefully short of any attacking threat and boss Gunn reacted by bringing on targetman Alan Lee in place of winger Lee Croft.

Former Rangers winger Alan Gow tried to inspire the home side but his ferocious 30-yard drive whistled a foot over the crossbar.

There was still time for a moment of controversy when it appeared the officials had awarded an equaliser when Norwich striker Mooney bundled home a looping ball under the crossbar in the 84th minute.

But, after a brief consultation with the linesman, referee Mike Russell ruled out the the Irishman's strike for a foul on goalkeeper Grant.

Wednesday finished the game with 10 men after defender Spurr was given his marching orders following a second bookable offence for a lunge on Cody McDonald, but it did not take the shine off a hard-fought three points for the visitors.

Teams:

Norwich Marshall, Otsemobor, Shackell, Doherty, Bertrand, Croft (Lee 68), Clingan, Lappin, Carney (Smith 82), Gow (McDonald 82), Mooney.

Subs Not Used: Nelson, Drury.

Booked: Mooney.

Sheff Wed Grant, Buxton, Hinds, Wood, Spurr, Varney, McAllister, Potter, Johnson (Beevers 88), Tudgay,Jeffers (Sodje 82).

Subs Not Used: Esajas, O'Connor, Simek.

Sent Off: Spurr (89).

Booked: Wood, Spurr.

Goals: Johnson 48.

Att: 25,385

Ref: Mike Russell (Hertfordshire).