ROBERT EARNSHAW'S expertly-dispatched goal at the start of the second half proved the difference between Norwich and Sunderland as the hosts edged yesterday's Coca-Cola Championship clash at Carrow Road. The Wales forward netted his 10th strike of the campaign on 51 minutes, finishing off a quick counter-attack from just inside the penalty area.

It was a moment of class in what was otherwise a scrappy affair, from which Sunderland will have felt they deserved at least a point. The outcome could have been so different had the visitors taken an early lead following a great chance inside the opening two minutes. A half-hearted clearance dropped to David Connolly in the six-yard box . . . but Paul Gallacher saved well from a low, angled drive at his near post.

After a positive start to the second half by Sunderland, it was Norwich who swept into the lead on 51 minutes. Paul McVeigh picked up the ball just inside the opposition half, and held his pass long enough to feed Earnshaw on the overlap down the right. The diminutive Wales striker darted into the area before dispatching a cool, low finish into the far corner past former Canaries goalkeeper Darren Wa rd .

To their credit, Roy Keane's side continued to take the match to the hosts. On 74 minutes, Sunderland felt they should have had a penalty when Dublin appeared to go through the back of substitute Daryl Murphy inside the six-yard box but nothing was awarded as Sunderland fell.