Norwich 1-0 Preston

Darel Russell struck deep into injury time to earn Norwich City victory over lowly Preston at Carrow Road.

Russell latched on to Dion Dublin's knockdown and slammed a brilliant 20-yard volley into the bottom corner.

Karl Hawley fired over for Preston before Norwich began to dominate, Ryan Bertrand blazing one shot high and Jamie Cureton having an effort saved.

Gary Doherty headed a late corner against the Preston crossbar before Russell's late intervention won it.

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Norwich manager Glenn Roeder on his side's recent good form:

"From where we were at the end of October to be eight points clear of the relegation places is a magnificent achievement.

"We have moved up to 38 points and that's down to a mixture of hard work, good play and tremendous team spirit.

"The challenge is to keep moving up as there are a lot of games to be played."

Preston manager Alan Irvine:

"We didn't create as much as I would have liked but we looked solid and their keeper didn't have too much to do.

"Overall I'm pleased because I think this group of players are getting better and better.

"You've got to remember that we were on a good run of four wins in five before we came here."

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Norwich: Marshall, Otsemobor (Bates 55), Shackell, Doherty, Camara, Croft (Henry 81), Fotheringham, Russell, Bertrand, Dublin, Evans (Cureton 73).
Subs Not Used: Gilks, Pattison.

Goals: Russell 90.

Preston: Lonergan, Jones, St. Ledger, Chilvers, Davidson (Hill 22), Whaley, Carter, McKenna, Lewis Neal (Chaplow 82), Hawley, Mellor (Ormerod 70)
Subs Not Used: Chris Neal, Trotman.

Att: 24,092

Ref: Jarnail Singh (Middlesex).