Norwich 1 Hull 0

A late header from defender Ryan Bennett moved Norwich five points clear of the Barclays Premier League relegation zone as the Canaries eventually saw off 10-man Hull at Carrow Road.
Manager Chris Hughton has been told his job is safe so long as he keeps the club outside of the bottom three and he would have been a relieved man to see Bennett score his first goal in nine months to secure a 1-0 win and a vital three points. It was the Canaries' first home win since November.
The under pressure boss made seven changes to the side that was outplayed in the 3-0 FA Cup third round replay defeat at Fulham in midweek, once again partnering Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel in attack and handing a debut to Newcastle loanee Jonas Gutierrez.

Relief: Ryan Bennett's goal will ease the pressure on manager Chris Hughton after eight games without a win

Flying Canaries: Ryan Bennett wheels away after scoring his first Premier League goal at Carrow Road

Firing blanks: Hull's record signing Nikica Jelavic (R) could not get on the scoresheet

Playing for keeps: Norwich stopper John Ruddy celebrates after Canaries claimed all three points

Toothless: George Boyd of Hull City and Russell Martin of Norwich City compete for the ball

Argy bargy: New Norwich signing Jonas Guiterrez (R) tries to shield the ball from Hull's Jake Livermore

Walking a tightrope: Referee Howard Webb (2L) shows Tom Huddlestone (R) a yellow card - he was later sent off

Heat of the moment: Graphic of Hull striker's Nikica Jelavic's positioning from Sportsmail's excellent Match Zone

Get shirty: New Hull signing Nikica Jelavic is snagged by Ryan Bennett of Norwich City

marching orders: Tom Huddlestone of Hull City clashes with Canaries midfielder Bradley Johnson late in the game

Best foot forward: James Chester of Hull City and Norwich midfielder Bradley Johnson (R) compete for the ball

Family fun: A Norwich City clown makes balloon animals ahead of the game at Carrow Road

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Posted by Editor on 22:31. Filed under sportnews . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0