Bradley Johnson has headed Norwich City into the lead on the stroke of half-time against Stoke City.

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In an open beginning to the match, it was Charlie Adam who had the first chance for the visitors with a curling effort that sailed inches wide of John Ruddy's post.

Norwich came into the game as the half progressed and could have been ahead after an exchange of passes from Wesley Hoolahan and Anthony Pilkington, but the latter's powerful shot was blocked by the legs of Asmir Begovic.

Pilkington was again denied by Begovic before the break when he collected a pass from Grant Holt before unleashing an effort that stung the hands of the Stoke goalkeeper.

The home side did open the scoring just moments before the half-time whistle when Johnson superbly headed in a perfect free kick from Robert Snodgrass.