Football: Canaries not to be outfoxed

TWO of Division One's top three teams failed to provide the TV cameras with a goal - and offered up little in the way of quality entertainment.

There was no shortage of effort and commitment, but the final ball and the finishing weren't up to scratch.

The result means Leicester stay in second and Norwich in third, but they have both lost ground on Portsmouth.

The visitors made their intentions clear very early on as Brian Deane glanced a header goalwards after an expert delivery by Frank Sinclair.

Neil Emblen was the first player to be booked, after two minutes, and Gerry Taggart soon followed.

Alan Rogers put Norwich hearts into mouths with a superb drilled cross which both Deane and Paul Dickov were within inches of converting.

The home side were busy and eager to take the game to Leicester, but the visitors were always a threat on the counter with the pace of Dickov.

Sinclair almost embarrassed himself and his goalkeeper when he sent a back-pass beyond the advancing Ian Walker, but recovered quickly to clear the danger himself.

There were half-chances at both ends before Taggart sent his umpteenth header wide and the frustration began to show.

Phil Mulryne had a shot deflected wide for Norwich late on, and from the corner Gary Holt sent a volley at goal which rippled the top of the net.MAN OF THE MATCH DARREN KENTON

Young defender was near-faultless.

NORWICH: Green 7, Nedergaard 6, Drury 6, KENTON 8, Mackay 7, Mulryne 6, Holt 6, Emblen 7 (Southall 5), McVeigh 6, Nielsen 7, Roberts 6.

LEICESTER: Walker 7, Sinclair 6, Davidson 6, Elliott 7, Taggart 7, Rogers 6, Izzet 6, McKinlay 6, Deane 6, Dickov 6, Scowcroft 7.

MANAGERS: Worthington 7; Adams 7.

REFEREE: M Dean 6.

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