Norwich City have ended a six-match run without a win with a 1-0 victory over Swansea City at Carrow Road in the Premier League.
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The visitors made a bright start, with Bafetimbi Gomis attempting to find the back of the net for the first time in nine matches with a long-range strike inside the opening two minutes, but his effort was well wide.
Norwich started to look the more likely though as Cameron Jerome came close to opening the scoring with a header after Robbie Brady whipped the ball in from a free kick, while Lukasz Fabianski was tested by a 25-yard strike from Jonny Howson moments later.
Gomis was involved again before half time as Neil Taylor crossed the ball in for the striker, but he could not hit the target, while he wanted a penalty just before the interval after claiming he was tugged back by Sebastien Bassong in the box.
The Canaries came close to opening the scoring at the start of the second half as Howson made a quick charge down the right before crossing in for Brady, but his header lacked the power needed to beat Fabianski.
Swansea were lining up the Norwich goal again moments later though as Gylfi Sigurdsson delivered a free kick for Gomis, but the striker could not get to it in time.
The visitors were denied by the crossbar as Wayne Routledge came off the bench inside the final half hour to set up Sigurdsson, but the Icelandic midfielder was denied by the woodwork.
Sigurdsson continued to cause problems for the Norwich defenders as he made his way forward again, flicking the ball on for Ki Sung-yueng, but he curled his finish just high.
Against the run of play, it was Norwich who broke the deadlock as Brady forced a corner, which left Howson to head in from close range from the resulting set piece.
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The goal boosted the Canaries' confidence as Wes Hoolahan quickly looked to double the advantage, charging forwards to meet a short clearance, but Fabianski managed to tip his header over.
Gomis was pressing again inside the final 10 minutes as Swansea looked for a late equaliser, but the forward's finish was comfortably high, allowing Norwich to hold on for their first win in seven matches.
The result lifts Norwich up to 15th in the table, one place behind Swansea, who have now won just once in their last eight matches in the league.
Sian Cowper
