Reading 0-1 Norwich City

[Huckerbys right foot]

Norwich City edged a step closer to The Premiership after a fortuitous 1-0 victory over play-off hopefuls Reading.
The Canaries snatched an 86th minute winner from substitute Phil Mulryne but they were heavily indebted to a lucky ricochet off referee Neale Barry.

In a lacklustre game at The Madejski Stadium, Norwich seemed more concerned about not losing, than winning, and clear-cut chances were sporadic.

The positive running of Darren Huckerby created an opportunity after just six minutes when he raced onto Mathias Svensson's flick but his shot brushed the fingertips of Jamie Ashdown and the post.

Reading responded with John Salako heading tamely at Robert Green and the England hopeful then produced a better save to deny Steven Sidwell's low attempt.

Ashdown almost gifted the visitors the lead when he dropped Kevin Cooper's shot but the ball only trickled between his legs and he gratefully clasped it at the second attempt.

The second half chances were even rarer with a clever pass from Cooper playing in Damien Francis but Ashdown was quick off his line to block the shot.

Just as the match was trundling towards a stalemate, Norwich nicked a winner in fortunate fashion after a headed clearance from Reading rebounded off Barry.

The ball bounced back into the box and there was no fluke about the finish as Mulryne swivelled sharply to volley emphatically beyond Ashdown.

[norwich_fi]

best ref we've had all season

well done naaaaaaarwich, u are up now for sure man...well played

[andy villa]

funny as hell..... im bettin hes the best ref u ever had.....

[The Magician]

Apart from the referee not moving out the way and giving an assist to Mulryne he took his goal well