Norwich were the last team to beat Sunderland four weeks ago, but while the visitors had the bulk of early possession it was the Mackems who looked more dangerous in attack.

Sunderland captain Steve Caldwell should have put his side ahead in the 23rd minute, but sent a free header straight at Camp.

In his programme notes, Sunderland chairman Niall Quinn urged the fans to create a more intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, but it was more likely to be the hosts who felt the pressure as cheers turned to jeers before the break.

Those jeers were perhaps still ringing in Sunderland ears as they emerged for the second half full of running, managing to force a series of corners from the stretched Norwich defence.

And in the 76th minute, Sunderland were ahead, finally making the breakthrough when Murphy hit a stunning half-volley on the turn to find the bottom corner from 20 yards. Sunderland deserved their lead after dominating possession, but the strike was a rare moment of quality.

Norwich came close to replying in the 83rd minute when Huckerby was dubiously ruled onside and his cross was turned narrowly around his own post by a recovering Liam Miller.