Norwich 2 Barnsley 0: Reds go six games without a win

Barnsley's winless run in the Championship was extended to six games as they crashed to managerless Norwch.

A goal in each half condemned the stuttering Reds to defeat in Norfolk as the hosts lapped up their first victory in seven matches.

Had ‘keeper Adam Davies not had another terrific game, the defeat could have been much heavier for Paul Heckingbottom’s men.

The Canaries were on top in the early stages at Carrow Road.

Reds’ ‘keeper Davies was forced to thwart Jacob Murphy at this near post, before Johnny Howson fired just over the top from 25 yards.

Howson was then denied by a fine Davies stop after lashing in another strike from distance.

Alex Pritchard then tested Davies as the Canaries looked to force home their superiority.

Midfielder Pritchard curled an effort inches past the far post minutes later.

The Reds responded with Tom Bradshaw tucking home Marley Watkins’ cross, only to see the ‘goal’ ruled out for offside. Adam Hammill also went close with a strike from a narrow angle.

The Reds’ favourite then tried an audacious effort from well out, but the ball just wouldn’t dip enough and it cleared the crossbar.

Just before half-time the deadlock was broken by the Canaries when Jacob Murphy charged into position to tuck home a neat lay-off from Cameron Jerome.

The Reds started the second period purposefully, with Canaries’ ‘keeper Michael McGovern twice being forced into action to keep out Hammill and Angus Macdonald.

Watkins then headed Hammill’s out-swinging cross narrowly wide as the Reds kept the pressure on the hosts.

At the other end there was an escape for the Reds when Norwich sub Steven Naismith blazed over from 12 yards.

The hosts made it 2-0 in the 71st minute when MacDonald could only flick a loose ball into his own net after Davies had parried Jacob Murphy’s powerful strike.

Davies saved brilliantly to keep out Jerome as the Canaries almost made it three, while MacDonald cleared Howson’s effort off the line.

Norwich (4-2-3-1): McGovern; Pinto, Bennett, Martin, Whittaker; Tettey, Howson; Jacob Murphy (Dorrans, 84), Pritchard, Hoolahan (Naismith, 30); Jerome (Oliveira, 84).

Subs not used: Ruddy, Klose, Wildschut, Josh Murphy.

Barnsley (4-4-2): Davies; Yiadom, Roberts, MacDonald, Jones; Watkins (Mowatt, 77), Scowen, James, Hammill (Hedges, 81); Bradshaw, Armstrong (Kent, 56).

Subs not used: Townsend, Moncur, Jackson, Janko.

Referee: Darren Bond (Lancashire).