Norwich City 1 Stoke City 0

Last updated : 17 March 2007 By Footymad Previewer
Both managers agreed after the game that Norwich City deserved more than one goal for their first-half performance.

Although Stoke improved after the break, Darren Huckerby's first-half strike was enough to net another three points for the Canaries.

The Potters kicked off attacking the River End goal, but it was the home side who did most of the attacking throughout the first half.

The best chance in the early stages fell to Chris Martin when Huckerby crossed from the left, but the young striker headed wide.

After 15 minutes Steve Simonsen saved Huckerby's shot, then Salif Diao was penalised for halting Huckerby's next run, but Youssef Safri fired over with the resulting free-kick.

Midway through the half Adam Drury had to be replaced by Mark Fotheringham after falling badly on his ankle.

On 25 minutes Gaby Zakuani was booked for a rather crude tackle on the lively Huckerby.

With Gary Doherty off the field receiving treatment for a nosebleed, Norwich went ahead on the half-hour.

Huckerby played the ball to Martin from the left and when he back-heeled the ball, Huckerby hit a first-time right-foot shot inside Simonsen's left-hand post from 18 yards.

The Stoke keeper did very well after 37 minutes. Jason Shackell's header came back off a post, but when he drove in the rebound Simonsen held his shot on the line at the second attempt.

Five minutes before the break Norwich had two shouts for a penalty. First of all, Zakuani appeared to handle when he lost his footing, then Andy Griffin bodychecked Lee Croft.

At the break, Jon Parkin and Zakuani made way for Ricardo Fuller and Lee Martin.

Fotheringham fired wide from an Andy Hughes cross before John Eustace came on for Diao. Fuller's shot was then saved by Tony Warner and Martin fired wide.

After a spell of pressure from Stoke, Simon Lappin released Huckerby but his attempted lob fell into the keeper's arms.

Warner got down smartly to save Mamady Sidibe's low shot.

After 84 minutes, Griffin was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Safri, who was able to resume after treatment and the Canaries fans were able to celebrate their second 1-0 win in the space of five days.