Norwich City and Hull City met in their Premier League clash at Carrow Road in massive game for both sides in their fight against the drop.
The Canaries were looking for their first win in eight games in all competitions as they slid dangerously close to the foot of the table, while Steve Bruce's side were hopeful of putting more distance between themselves and the drop zone.
However, Chris Hughton's side prevailed to win the three points as Ryan Bennett headed home in the 86th minute to ease the pressure on his manager and his team in their fight against the drop.
Read how all the action unfolded in our commentary below.
Good afternoon and welcome to the live commentary of the Premier League clash between Norwich City and Hull City at Carrow Road.
The home side are in dire need of three points this afternoon as they have slipped very close to the relegation zone in 15th place in the Premier League, just two points clear of the drop zone.
Hull are only five clear points clear of the relegation zone in 10th place but they will be delighted to be where they are in the Premier League, after winning promotion last season.
The Tigers have backed Bruce in the transfer market with the signings of Nikica Jelavic and Shane Long, which may be enough firepower to get them away from the drop zone in the next few weeks to secure their status in the top flight for next season.
Norwich invested heavily themselves in the summer in Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Chris Hughton needs them to find their form sooner rather than later to push his side away from trouble.
The team news has been announced and we'll start with the home side.
NORWICH CITY STARTING XI: Ruddy, Martin, R Bennett, Bassong, Olsson, Snodgrass, Fer, Johnson, Gutierrez, van Wolfswinkel, Hooper
NORWICH CITY SUBS: Bunn, Whittaker, Pilkington, Hoolahan, Becchio, Redmond, Tettey
HULL CITY STARTING XI: McGregor, Rosenior, Bruce, Chester, Davies, Huddlestone, Koren, Livermore, Jelavic, Sagbo, Elmohamady
HULL CITY SUBS: Harper, Figueroa, Meyler, Fryatt, Boyd, Faye, Quinn
Norwich have made seven changes to their side that was beaten in their FA Cup third-round replay clash with Fulham in midweek, John Ruddy returns in goal as does Steven Whittaker at the back along with Martin Olsson. Jonas Gutierrez makes his debut since joining on loan from Newcastle United, while Hooper and Van Wolfswinkel lead the line.
Hull hand a debut to Jelavic who will likely start up front with Yannick Sagbo, meanwhile Liam Rosenior and Robert Koren also come back into the side from their 2-0 defeat to Chelsea last week. There's no place in the squad for Shane Long, who will have to wait till next week to make his debut for Bruce's side following his move from West Bromwich Albion.
Tigers keeper Allan McGregor feels that this game is huge for his side so they they can distance themselves from the drop zone, he told Sky Sports News: "This is a big game for us. It looks like Jela will be starting for us today, and we all hope he can hit the ground running."
STAT ATTACK! Hull have lost just one of their last eight games against the Canaries.
In the teams meeting earlier this season, Hull recorded a 1-0 win over Chris Hughton's side at the KC Stadium, as a penalty from Robbie Brady handed them the victory.
Today's referee is Howard Webb as the players make their way out onto the pitch at Carrow Road.
Norwich are in their traditional yellow and green kit, while Hull are sporting their navy blue away kit, this afternoon.
KICKOFF! We're underway at Carrow Road.
CHANCE! What a chance for Jelavic to open his account on just two minutes into his debut as he somehow misses the target from six yards out. He has to put that away for the visitors, as Rosenior slipped a through ball down the left for Koren and inside the penalty he cut it back for the striker who shot first time, but he put it wide of Ruddy's goal.
CHANCE! Hull come close to breaking the deadlock again as a long ball is pumped forward for Jelavic and he causes mayhem on the edge of the box, before the ball is half cleared to Elmohamady who lifts a cross to the back post where Rosenior meets it first time on the volley, but he puts his effort wide.
Hull are a threat every time they push forward, as the ball comes again to Elmohamady on the right and he whips in a cross towards Jelavic in the middle of the box and Martin has to do extremely well to beat the Croat in the air and divert the ball behind for a corner. All the pressure is on the Canaries.
Norwich clear their lines from the resulting corner and have some breathing space at last.
CHANCE! Norwich's turn to threaten and Van Wolfswinkel misses an absolute sitter from close range as Johnson lifted a cross from the left to the back post and Snodgrass headed the ball towards the centre of the box and from six yards the striker lost his footing and could only fire wide of the post.
Livemore picks up the ball in the midfield and drives at goal and shoots from distance, when he has support around him and that proves to be a bad decision as he blazes his effort over the bar.
SUBSTITUTION: James Chester appears to have an injury and is replace by Maynor Figueroa who goes in at centre back.
Norwich get some attacking momentum as Olsson plays the ball short into the feet of Snodgrass and he has space to run into, he gets to about 25 yards from goal before he decides to have a crack and his shot is on target but McGregor makes a comfortable save.
Livermore brings down Snodgrass in Hull territory down the right and that will give the winger a chance to knock a free kick into the box to try and create some pressure.
Snodgrass gets plenty of loft on the ball, a bit too much and McGregor is able to come through a crowd of players to claim it with ease.
Norwich have seen off the early storm from the visitors and are now in control of possession, as they are knocking the ball around quite nicely but are yet to really threaten in the final third of the pitch.
Hull win a corner down the right and Elmohamady delivers, the home side clear the initial danger but the Egyptian knocks the ball back into the box and there's a little scramble but Jelavic is too aggressive and gives away a free kick.
Hughton's side are starting to get a bit rough and ready with Jelavic to stop in him holding the ball up and he's incredulous as Martin comes through behind him to head the ball, only the see the free kick go the other way because he was offside.
The home team threaten down the right and Snodgrass turns his man, one way then the other and lifts a cross into the box looking for the run of Hooper down the middle but Rosenior tracks him all the way and heads the ball behind.
After a poor corner from the first delivery, Norwich win another on the right and this time Snodgrass chooses to play the ball short to Martin and his cross is terrible as it hits the first man charging forward in the chest and the home side are forced to go back to Ruddy.
CHANCE! Norwich come again though and the ball is knocked into the box and Fer gets an effort away but a Hull defender or defenders throw the bodies in the way of the ball to deflect it behind for a corner. That was a combination of Bruce and Koren on closer inspection, good defending either way though.
From the corner, Snodgrass's initial delivery is cleared but only as far as Johnson who whips the ball to the back post and Bassong gets a header on the ball, but his effort goes well wide of the target.
A slight bit of frustration creeping into the game of the Norwich players as Johnson tries an ambitious pass over to Martin on the right but he overhits the pass and it goes out for throw-in. Not the best football from the midfielder.
YELLOW CARD! Figueroa goes into the book for a poor challenge on Snodgrass after the winger coasted past him down the right. A free kick in a dangerous position down the right for the home side.
The free kick is a waste as Snodgrass hits the ball over everyone in the penalty area and Hull have a goal kick.
CHANCE! Bruce makes a crucial block to deny Hooper on the edge of the box as he tries to shoot at goal and the deflection goes back to Snodgrass, who runs at goal again and shoots left-footed from 25 yards and McGregor is forced to leap to his right to push the ball away, as the shot looked to be creeping into the far corner.
Norwich press again and Fer plays a ball down the flank for Hooper to chase, he lifts the ball into the area first time looking for his strike partner Van Wolfswinkel at the back post but Davies is there to head the ball away.
After the challenge Van Wolfswinkel goes down and will require treatment. Not sure what the injury is but he appears to be ok.
There will be five minutes of added time.
Hull raid down the left and Koren tries to feed a pass to Jelavic inside the box, the striker takes a touch but Bassong is there to win the ball and clear the danger for the home side. A good intervention by the former Newcastle man.
YELLOW CARD! Johnson becomes the second man into the book this afternoon as he brings down Koren with a vicious challenge.
CHANCES! Huddlestone whips two crosses into the box, the first from the left and Jelavic is inches away from making contact after the ball was nearly deflected into his path at the back post. Then, from the resulting corner Davies headed high and wide after beating Bassong in the air.
HALF-TIME: Norwich City 0-0 Hull City
It's goalless at the break and Hull have perhaps had the better of the chances as new-signing Jelavic somehow missed in the opening two minutes of the game from Koren's cutback. Norwich have dominated possession but haven't really been a threat as Van Wolfswinkel couldn't sort his feet out at the crucial moment and Snodgrass's long drive forced a save from McGregor but that's as good as it got for the hosts.
Hughton will want more quality from his side in the final third of the pitch, and that has been the story of their season. Bruce will pleased so far that his side have had chances but if it ends this way he will certainly be the happier of the two. The Tigers have been solid when they've needed to be and that's all you ask for from your team on the road in the Premier League.
The players are making their way back onto the pitch and we should be underway shortly.
We're back underway at Carrow Road.
Norwich start on the front foot and take the attack to Hull down the right, Martin gets the ball and fires a low cross which flashes across the face of goal but no player in yellow and green gambles and the ball goes out to the left for a throw-in. All that needed was a touch.
The visitors pump the ball long for Jelavic and he wins the ball and plays out wide to Sagbo, the forward cuts in onto his right foot and then takes Martin back on the outside and he tries to lift a cross to the Croat at the back post, but Martin does just enough to deflect it wide.
YELLOW CARD! Huddlestone goes into the book for the Tigers as he brings down Johnson around 28 yards from goal and Snodgrass is lining up the free kick for a strike at the target.
Snodgrass fires his shot into the wall and Hull are able to clear the danger. That was a real waste from the Scotland international, Hughton will not appreciate that effort at all.
Norwich work the ball well down the right as Snodgrass slides a through ball for Martin down the flank and he has the opportunity to find an unmarked Van Wolfswinkel at the back post but Bruce makes an excellent intervention to head the ball behind. That was excellent from the defender as the cross looked good from the full back.
Slight pressure from the visitors as they force two corners down the right but Huddlestone's delivery from the right is gathered by Ruddy after Van Wolfswinkel headed the first cross behind. Everyone's doing their part for the Canaries at the moment.
Rosenior raids down the left and whips in a cross for Jelavic, who is under pressure from Bennett and can only head his effort wide of the target as he falls to the floor, looking for a penalty and Webb waves play on. That would have been incredibly harsh had it been awarded.
CHANCE! Rosenior pops up at the other end this time and makes a crucial block to deny Van Wolfswinkel in the box from 12 yards after the striker was put through on goal, by Hooper with a lovely pass through between three players.
Norwich press and win a corner down the right as Rosenior is forced to head behind again, Snodgrass stands over the ball and deliver and Fer gets his head on the cross but his effort goes well over the bar.
SUBSTITUTION: Hull make their second change of the game as George Boyd replaces Yannick Sagbo.
SUBSTITUTION: A change for Norwich as Anthony Pilkington comes on for Gutierrez.
SHOT! Martin pumps the ball up from the back and Van Wolfswinkel wins the header down to Hooper who shoots first time on the volley from about 25 yards and his effort goes just over the bar.
The tempo of the game has slowed over the past few minutes, as Hull are trying to take all the pace out of the game and the hosts are struggling to force the issue here. A point will be welcomed by the visitors but not by the home side who seem quite nervy at the moment.
The quality at Carrow Road has dipped significantly in the last few minutes, no side seems capable of stringing two passes together. We're at an impasse as Hull don't want to come out of their defensive shells, while the Canaries don't have the ability to break them down. It doesn't make for good football.
Hull raid down the right and Elmohamady tries to pick out Jelavic at the back post but is only successful in overhitting his cross out for a goal kick much to the frustration of the striker, who has been starved of service in the second half.
CHANCE! For the second time in the game Van Wolfswinkel can't sort his feet out in front of goal as Martin hits a free kick into the box and the ball is nodded down to the striker six yards out and instead of laying the ball or attempting a back heeled effort, he tries to turn too quickly and Davis can nip in and make the challenge. Somehow, the visitors clear the danger.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Fryatt replaces Koren for the visitors, while Van Wolfswinkel's miserable afternoon ends as he comes off for Becchio.
SUBSTITUTIONS: Fryatt replaces Koren for the visitors, while Van Wolfswinkel's miserable afternoon ends as he comes off for Becchio.
Becchio nearly has an instant impact for the Canaries as he collects the ball down the left and tries to slide a low cross into the penalty area, but, Rosenior is there to nip in to steal the ball away from Hooper before he can get a shot away.
The ball isn't quite clear and Martin tries an ambitious effort from the edge of the area on the volley but his effort sails well over the bar.
CHANCES! Snodgrass whips a corner in from the right and it's half cleared back to him, he takes the ball inside on his left foot but has his shot blocked, the ball comes out to Johnson on the edge who also takes a swing but his shot is deflected over. The Canaries are upping the ante here.
GOAL! Norwich 1-0 Hull (Bennett)
Norwich take the lead and what an important goal this could turn out to be as Snodgrass whips the corner to the back post and his delivery is perfect and lands on the head of the unmarked Bennett two yards from goal and the defender makes no mistake to find the net.
RED CARD! Huddlestone is sent off for the visitors for his second bookable offence, as he is late on a tackle with Fer and Webb is straight to his pocket to give the midfielder his marching orders.
CHANCE! The cross from the resulting free kick comes into the box and at the back post Bechhio makes contact but McGregor makes the save and from the follow-up the Tigers somehow manage to get the ball clear as several players converged on the ball in the six-yard box.
There will be four minutes of added time.
Norwich are doing a decent job of taking the time off the clock as they are edging close to a vital win in their fight for survival.
CHANCE! Hull come close to a late leveller as Elmohamady whips in a cross from the right and Davies gets up highest in the penalty area but he can only direct his header wide of the target and that should end things at Carrow Road.
FULL-TIME: Norwich City 1-0 Hull City
Norwich get a crucial win in their fight against the drop as they score an 86th minute winner through the head of Ryan Bennett as he got above Curtis Davies to head past Allan McGregor. The Canaries were struggling to muster any quality but Robert Snodgrass produced an excellent cross to find the defender, who has eased his side's relegation worries for now and their first win in eight games in all competitions. They needed this!
Hull will be desperately disappointed they couldn't hold out for the draw. They had a glorious chance to take the lead in the second minute when Jelavic fired wide on his debut, if he had scored then it could have been so much different. The Tigers have now been dragged back into the relegation fight and are just five points clear of the relegation zone, in a very tight battle at the bottom.
That's all the action from Carrow Road today. Thanks for joining our commentary this afternoon, until next time, goodbye.
Written by
Simon Sinclair
Simon Sinclair
