Jonny Howson's first-half strike condemned Stoke City to a 1-0 loss at the hands of Chris Hughton's Norwich City at the Britannia Stadium.

Norwich started the better of the two teams and attacked in the first minute, but Anthony Pilkington's shot was blocked well by the Stoke defence.

The Canaries continued to push forward and came close again on nine minutes through Ryan Bennett, who saw his effort saved.

Howson had an effort for the away side on 25 minutes, but the Potters' defence were alert to the danger and closed down the midfielder.

After 33 minutes, Marko Arnautovic found some room for a shot but could not find the target with his effort.

Norwich took the lead a minute later when Pilkington teed up Howson, who fired past Asmir Begovic from 25 yards to make it 1-0 to Hughton's men.

Stoke started the second half brightly and had a strong claim for a penalty turned down in the 51st minute when Kenwyne Jones was hauled back by Leroy Fer.

Norwich continued to be a threat, with Robert Snodgrass bending a 20-yard effort marginally over, before Jones and Steven Nzonzi both tested John Ruddy at the other end.

With 10 minutes remaining, Snodgrass almost scored for the visitors, but Begovic leapt to his right and touched the winger's swerving effort just beyond the far post.