Norwich City 2-0 Preston North End: Canaries notch fourth straight win

Less than two months ago, on 17 January, Preston were in the play-off places in sixth while Norwich were just inside the relegation zone – but the diverging fortunes of both clubs since have been striking.

While Norwich topped the form standings for the previous 10 games – taking 24 points from a possible 30 – only already-relegated Sheffield Wednesday had taken fewer than Preston’s haul of six points during the same period.

Preston did fashion the first chance at Carrow Road, albeit from an error by Norwich defender Harry Darling, but while Daniel Jebbison’s attempted lob beat Canaries keeper Vladan Kovacevic, it only found the side netting.

Ahmed then continued his excellent form since his January arrival by tucking home the opener after Mathias Kvistgaarden’s initial effort was repelled by Preston keeper Daniel Iversen.

Kvistgaarden was inches away from adding a Norwich second but North End rallied with Kovacevic foiling headers from both Hughes and Whiteman in what proved a key spell.

However, once McLean curled home a wonderful set-piece, the game was up and only the woodwork prevented Gibbs making it three.

Preston did their best to make a game of it after the break but Hughes headed their best chance wide while Kovacevic denied Thierry Small, Robbie Brady and Jebbison in the closing stages as Paul Heckingbottom’s side remain in freefall despite a late rally.