Norwich 1-0 Stoke

Bradley Johnson's first goal for over a
year earned Norwich a 1-0 win over
Stoke which lifted them above their
opponents in the Premier League.
Stoke were aggrieved that they had not
been awarded a free-kick for a foul on
Charlie Adam in the build-up to the
goal and felt the free-kick which then
was awarded to the hosts was harsh,
but in a game of few chances,
Norwich's spirit ensured the result was
a deserved one.
The home side had made a decent
start, with Robert Snodgrass to the
fore, but the first shot in anger came
from Stoke as Adam curled one just
wide from 20 yards after a loose
clearance from Javier Garrido.
Anthony Pilkington had the first clear
sight of goal for the home side after
good work by Wes Hoolahan but Asmir
Begovic was able to block his low eight-
yard effort with his legs.
Adam went into the book for
simulation after it appeared he had
received a shove, but the Scottish
midfielder was seen to better effect
when he drilled one into John Ruddy's
midriff.
After Andy Wilkinson was booked for
bringing down Snodgrass, the visitors
claimed harshly, Johnson (44) rose
highest to meet Snodgrass' free-kick
and flick the ball into the top corner to
give the home side the lead.
Pilkington then skipped to the byline
and cut the ball across for Snodgrass
who could not provide the crucial
touch with the goal gaping.
Early in the second period, Michael
Turner missed his clearance to present
Jon Walters with a glorious chance but
the Stoke man, under pressure from
Sebastien Bassong, could not beat
Ruddy from 10 yards.
Pilkington volleyed over on the stretch
while Alexander Tettey, a powerhouse
in the home midfield, drilled one wide
from 23 yards as Norwich looked to
earn some breathing space.
One of Tony Pulis' two substitutes
Kenwyne Jones headed Adam's free-
kick straight at Ruddy and Peter Crouch
hooked one volley over the top as the
pressure mounted.
Jones again drilled wide as he muscled
past Ryan Barnett but Norwich were
able to hold firm to record only their
second home win of the season.