Norwich City 2-0 Huddersfield Town: Sam McCallum and Borja Sainz on target for David Wagner's Canaries

Sam McCallum of Norwich City celebrates scoring the opening goal against Huddersfield TownImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Defender Sam McCallum's second-half header was his first goal for Norwich in 36 appearances

Boss David Wagner's rejuvenated Norwich City eased past his former side Huddersfield Town to record a third win in a five games and move to within two points of the Championship play-off places.

The Canaries, who have now lost just one of their past eight matches following a dismal run of five defeats in six league games, dominated the first half but were unable to find the breakthrough until substitute Sam McCallum headed them ahead after the break.

And a 10th win in 23 league games was as good as sealed when Borja Sainz curled home a second goal after great work by Adam Idah.

Huddersfield barely threatened throughout, failing to muster a single attempt on target until late in the second period, but the visitors remain two points above the relegation zone despite seeing their winless run extended to five games.

Norwich, with top scorer Jonathan Rowe providing the focal point, had much the better of a first half which saw Darren Moore's Huddersfield fail to register an attempt on target.

Gabriel Sara shot into the side netting early on, Shane Duffy headed over the bar, the lively Rowe had a shot brilliantly blocked by Tom Lees after a fine run and Marcelino Nunez fired just wide.

But the best chance went the way of Ashley Barnes, whose header from a teasing Jack Stacey cross was superbly pushed wide by Town keeper Chris Maxwell.

Moore's side, who were looking for a third win since he took over as Terriers boss, continued to be outclassed in all areas on the resumption.

Half-time substitute McCallum had been on the pitch for less than three minutes when he headed powerfully past Maxwell to deservedly put the Canaries ahead.

With the deadlock broken Norwich played with even greater freedom as they wrapped up a fifth win in eight games.

Sara had a long-range effort saved and Christian Fassnacht headed wide before Borja Sainz made it 2-0 with a delightful strike, placed across goal and into the far corner, following a rapid counter-attack.

Norwich City boss David Wagner told BBC Radio Norfolk:

"It was a win, a clean sheet and a very good performance. It was very focused and we played in the right areas with a lot of intensity and energy as well. We never got frustrated, which you can do if a team sets up so deep. We kept going.

"The longer the game goes, the bigger the spaces will be because they get tired and we have to be ruthless - and we were. It was a super shift the players put in.

"It was a good performance in possession and not in possession. It was a deserved win; we totally controlled the game.

"It's great to see the light at the end of the tunnel [with injured players coming back]. There is a lot of competition now and in this busy period we will use more or less everyone. We have a very hard period now."

Huddersfield boss Darren Moore told BBC Radio Leeds:

"I'm gutted for the players because we put a lot into the game and they worked hard. The first half, we defended quite well and got some good territory and some good impetus.

"But we are bitterly disappointed with the result. The first goal was down to a lapse in concentration. That's what happened in the game - we switched off. Then we were chasing.

"With one or two players coming back on the pitch, we want to be on the front foot more. As much as there is an attacking intent in the team, those players have to work hard in and out of possession.

"Mentally and physically I think the balance of the team is in a better place. We will dust ourselves down and get ready for the Blackburn Rovers game - which is a really important game."

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