Norwich City have moved a step closer to securing Premier League safety with a 2-1 win over Reading at Carrow Road that all but condemns their opponents to relegation.
Two goals in quick succession from substitute Ryan Bennett and Elliott Bennett put the Canaries 2-0 ahead and, despite a reply from Garath McCleary, the visitors fell to a ninth defeat in 10 matches.
© PA Photos
Elliott Bennett and Javier Garrido each came close with early efforts as Norwich started brightly against the bottom-of-the-table Royals.
McCleary was an outlet for Reading on the counter-attack, though, and forced Mark Bunn into a smart low save shortly after seeing another fierce drive blocked by Russell Martin.
Alex McCarthy pulled off a string of fine saves shortly after the interval, but Ryan Bennett pounced on his parry to drill the ball into the roof of the net from close range on 50 minutes.
His namesake, Elliott, soon doubled Norwich's advantage when he calmly converted a rebound after McCarthy could only palm a Martin shot into his path.
McCleary was Reading's standout performer all afternoon and added a goal to his impressive performance when he carried the ball up to the edge of the area before shooting past Bunn.
It was not enough for Reading to collect any points though, and they are now 10 points away from Premier League safety with four games remaining.
Joe Fish
