Norwich City 2 Walsall 1

Gary Holt came close to opening the scoring in the fourth minute but James Walker palmed away his shot after Paul McVeigh had spotted the City midfielder's run into the penalty area.

After 15 minutes Green rescued the Canaries with a brilliant double save to deny Jorge Leitao and Darren Wrack.

Green again excelled himself in the 29th minute as he kept out a header from Leitao.

It was not until five minutes before the break that Norwich managed their second shot on goal.

Clint Easton deflected Steve Corica's left-wing cross into his own goal to give the visitors the lead in the 49th minute but just five minutes later Easton delivered the right-wing corner from which Malky Mackay headed in the equaliser at the near post.

McVeigh then hit the crossbar from an acute angle as the home side stepped up a gear in search of the winning goal.

This came when Phil Mulryne curled a 22-yard right-foot free-kick inside Walker's left-hand upright.

Just seven minutes later Corica made way for Gareth Ainsworth but the substitute was sent off within seconds for chopping down Gary Holt.

After 75 minutes Ian Roper came close to following him but referee Mr Beeby showed him a yellow card for his reckless challenge on Adam Drury.

Man of the match Green made a stoppage-time save to deny Darren Bazeley and the Canaries were home and dry.