Blackpool 0-1 Norwich City: Teemu Pukki winner sees Canaries close gap on Sheffield United

Norwich City's Teemu Pukki scores the opening goal against BlackpoolImage source, Getty Images
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Teemu Pukki's measured first-half finish was his fourth goal in four games

Teemu Pukki's fourth goal in four games earned Norwich City victory over Blackpool at Bloomfield Road and moved them to within a point of Championship leaders Sheffield United.

The Canaries, who have now won seven games in an eight-match unbeaten run, withstood a strong start by the hosts and were ahead at the interval courtesy of a typically calm Pukki strike as he raced through on goal.

Blackpool's Theo Corbeanu had earlier seen an effort come back off the post, but Norwich had the better opportunities, twice hitting the bar in a breathless first half.

The chances dried up after the break, but Norwich did not need a second goal to ensure the win and close the gap on the Blades, who were held to a draw by Birmingham.

Blackpool had been the better side in the early stages, playing with confidence and posing a real threat as they looked to avoid a third consecutive defeat.

Ian Poveda was an influential figure in the dominance, sending a rasping long-range shot just wide and then teeing up Corbeanu, who struck the post with a fine effort.

But Pukki's calm sidefooted one-on-one finish, after Dominic Thompson lost possession, relaxed the Canaries and they could easily have been out of sight by the interval.

Kenny McLean's header brushed the top of the bar and fellow midfielder Marcelino Nunez went even closer, the Chilean's fine free-kick from the edge of the box crashing off the bar.

Grant Hanley then headed a great opportunity wide from another Nunez set-piece and keeper Chris Maxwell had to be alert to tip over Aaron Ramsey's strike.

Visiting keeper Tim Krul did have to tip over a looping Gary Madine header and also pushed away a Jerry Yates strike as the hosts responded.

At the other end, Josh Sargent almost continued his fine goalscoring run but was denied a seventh goal in eight games when his strike was cleared off the line.

Blackpool boss Michael Appleton:

"It's very frustrating. In the first 20 minutes I thought we were fantastic and we put an excellent Norwich team on the back foot.

"We had one or two big moments but we couldn't score and when Norwich did, that was a big blow.

"We just need to keep the focus on ourselves. It's easy to be worried but I think if we continue playing like we did, we'll be okay. If we get anywhere near close to what the players achieved last season, that would be fantastic.

"That must always be your aim every year - to try and get as close to, or better, than what you did the previous season.

"The only issue is that this league has become stronger, the money has become bigger, but we've just got to continue to try and compete."

Norwich boss Dean Smith:

"It keeps our unbeaten run going, it's another clean sheet and the momentum and the belief is still there.

"We're facing a big challenge in the Championship this season but I think we are seeing the players standing up to it and wanting to play. Sometimes performances haven't been where we want them to be but sometimes we're unplayable.

"We just need to keep trying to put it all together over 90 minutes. At any level, though, even if you're Manchester City or Liverpool, you can't dominate a full game.

"The shot that hit the post was a bit of a shock to the system but after that we turned it on and we should have put the game to bed before half-time. That was as good a spell as we've produced all season, but the longer it stays at 1-0, you will always give the opposition a sniff.

"We showed a real fighting spirit in that last 20 minutes of the game, though. It was an exceptional effort and I'm really pleased with the way we dealt with situations. In that second half we showed what a winning mentality was all about it and you need that at this level and that's what the fans want to see."

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