Norwich suffer narrow defeat to Sheffield United

Norwich City suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday, April 1.

Norwich City suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Sheffield United in the Sky Bet Championship on Saturday, April 1.

A second-half goal from James McAtee was the difference between the sides at full-time.

It's now four games without a win in the league for the Canaries who still linger just outside the play-off spots.

Throughout the opening 15 minutes or so, neither side could create a clear cut opportunity.

City fans and Max Aarons were looking for a penalty when he appeared to be tripped inside the box but Darren Bond wasn't interested.

The visitors had been just edging the game and saw the first chance present itself to Sander Berge when he was unmarked from a corner-kick. However, his header was wide of the target.

Norwich's next attack saw a well-worked routine from a corner end with a shot by Marquinhos but Wes Foderingham was able to watch it over his crossbar.

Carrow Road sparked into life following a tussle between Aarons and his opposite number George Baldock. Both players were booked before Gabriel Sara met the same fate a minute later.

A deflected Anel Ahmedhodzic header rattled the Norwich crossbar soon after but the danger was quickly cleared.

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The visitors would take the lead just after the hour mark following a spell of play where the deteriorating weather conditions made it more difficult for both teams.

A scuffed shot fell into the path of James McAtee who was able to poke home past Angus Gunn, with the goal allowed to stand despite calls for an offside flag.

It was almost two when substitute Billy Sharp fired an effort off the post in the 72nd minute with Baldock's follow-up wide of the target.

Sargent was Norwich's biggest threat, heading over before having to lean backwards into a 75th-minute strike that also missed the target.

Marquinhos ' long-range strike in added time did have supporters on their feet late on but Foderingham was a match for it.

An equaliser wasn't coming for the Canaries and they will now turn their attention quickly to Friday's trip to Ewood Park.

Teenager Abu Kamara did get on for his first minutes of senior football in the second half with head coach David Wagner hoping he'll be able to add some firepower to the squad after an impressive PL2 campaign.

Norwich City: Gunn, Aarons, Hanley (C), Gibson, Giannoulis (McCallum 84), McLean, Sara (Gibbs 84), Idah (Tzolis 70), Sargent, Marquinhos, Pukki (Kamara 70).

Unused subs: Krul, Omobamidele, Sørensen.

Bookings: Aarons (33), Sara (34)

Sheffield United: Foderingham, Baldock, Ahmedhodzic, Robinson, Egan (C), Lowe, Berge (Norwood 69), Doyle (Basham 89), McAtee (Fleck 85), Ndiaye, McBurnie (Sharp 69).

Unused subs: Davies, Bogle, Osula.

Goals: McAtee (61)

Bookings: Baldock (33), Berge (50), Ndiaye (90+4)

HT: 0-0

FT: 0-1

Venue: Carrow Road

Referee: Darren Bond

Attendance: 26,801