A STUNNING injury-time strike from winger Lee Croft blunted the visiting Blades and secured the Canaries' first home win of the season in style.

A bright start for the Canaries saw half chances for Matthew Pattison, Darel Russell and Jon Otsemobor, as well as good work from Lee Croft and Antoine Sibierski.

An even first half saw opportunities come for both sides, with a13th minute header from United's Gary Speed met with quick reactions from David Marshall, who confidently palmed the ball away.

David Cotterill's free-kick in the 29th minute was palmed away by the City stopper, and James Beatties' free-kick five minutes later was also saved  by Marshall.

City nearly opened the scoring in the last moments of the first half, when Sibierski drilled a low ball across the area from the right, caught by Russell who fired toward United's goal, only for Paddy Kenny to be on top form.

Half time: Norwich 0 Sheffield United 0

LEADING THE LINE: Antoine Sibierski under pressure
from Sheffield United's Matthew Kilgallon

City maintained momentum in the second half and enjoyed more than their fair share of possession. However, cast-iron threats to the Blades' goal were limited.

A 75th minute shot from substitute Jamie Cureton came after he picked up a Sibierski cross, but it flew into the hands of the Sheffield 'keeper.

Soon after, Croft whipped in a cross to the penalty spot, met by a half-volley from Sibierski which bounced toward the top corner causing Kenny to be called into action once more with a flying one-handed save.

As the game neared 90 minutes, a slip from Jonathan Grounds left Sheffield United substitute Danny Webber with a clear run on goal, but Marshall pulled off a superb save low to his left to avert the danger.

INJURY TIME WINNER: Lee Croft wheeels away
after scoring the winner at Carrow Road

And the value of that save was underlined minutes later when Lee Croft picked up a pass from Jamie Cureton, cut inside his man, and then picked his spot with a sensational curling effort into the far corner which gave Kenny no chance.

Norwich: Marshall, Otsemobor, Drury (Hoolahan 68), Croft, Sibierski, Grounds, Fotheringham (C), Russell, Bertrand, Omozusi, Pattison (Lupoli 25, Cureton 65). Subs not used: Nelson, Archibald-Henville.

Sheff Utd: Kenny, Halford, Naysmith, Cotterill (Naughton 83), Morgan (C), Kilgallon, Beattie, Speed, Montgomery, Sharp (Webber 57), Quinn (Hendrie 71). Subs not used: Gillespie, Ehiogu.