Norwich 4-1 Cardiff

Norwich were too strong for Cardiff

Darren Huckerby produced a stunning farewell display to steer Norwich to a comfortable victory over Cardiff at Carrow Road.

Huckerby will return to Manchester City this week as his three-month loan spell comes to an end and Norwich cannot afford to buy him.

The striker tormented the Cardiff defence and deservedly got his name on the scoresheet following a fine solo run which saw him beat three Cardiff players.

He then turned provider to set up strike partner Iwan Roberts, and although Peter Thorne pulled one back for Cardiff Norwich struck twice more.

First experienced defender Craig Fleming scored his first goal since April 2000 before Tony Vidmar deflected Huckerby's shot past his own keeper with nine minutes left.

Norwich, who are now up to second, came out with all guns blazing and Cardiff goalkeeper Neil Alexander pulled off a fantastic save to prevent Paul McVeigh from giving the hosts a ninth-minute lead.

Two minutes later Ian Henderson clipped the post with a shot and Phil Mulryne curled his effort over the crossbar as the Canaries continued to dominate.

The visitors, beaten once in their last 11 Division One games, had to wait until the 18th minute for their first opportunity, former Ipswich defender Gary Croft firing wide from 25 yards.

And they fell behind when Huckerby twisted and turned past three men before slotting the ball home.

Roberts - given a rare start following Peter Crouch's return to Aston Villa - added a second when Shackell's long through-ball found Huckerby, who in turn teed-up his strike partner.

In-form Thorne hauled Cardiff back into the game. Danny Gabbidon pumped a ball into the Norwich box, Chris Barker flicked it on and Thorne found the net with a glancing header.

But Norwich responded with Fleming's rare effort before Huckerby fittingly had a hand in the fourth to cap a memorable last game in for the Canaries.