Norwich manager Nigel Worthington celebrated signing a new contract by leading his side to a victory over 10-man Walsall.

Worthington's has agreed to stay on for an extra year at Carrow Road, despite his contract not running out until 2005.

Walsall seemed set to spoil his day when they took a 50th-minute lead through a Clint Easton own goal - only the fifth time Norwich had conceded at home this season.

But Malky Mackay and a Phil Mulryne stunner saw Norwich get back to winning ways after two successive defeats.

Norwich keeper Rob Green played a major part in keeping them on level terms in the first half, with the highly-rated youngster pulling off a string of fine saves.

The Canaries made a bright start and Gary Holt came close to giving them a fourth-minute lead.

The Scottish midfielder, yet to score this season, unleashed a fine drive from the edge of the box which was parried by Walsall goalkeeper James Walker.

Walsall nearly grabbed the lead themselves in the 16th minute.

Junior crossed for Jorge Leitao and his crisp volley brought off a fabulous save from Green.

The visitors were left to curse Green once more on the half hour with Sonner this time being thwarted.

Norwich again struggled to create chances and five minutes into the second half Walsall took the lead when Steve Corica's cross was deflected into his own net by Easton.

It brought an end to Norwich's four-game run of home clean sheets.

Wild lunge

However, five minutes later Norwich were back on level terms with Easton making amends with a corner that Mackay powered past Walker for his fourth goal of the season.

Norwich went ahead in the 60th minute when Northern Ireland international Mulryne got his first goal since 28 September.

The former Manchester United midfielder curled home a terrific 20-yard free-kick to leave Walker with no chance.

With 20 minutes left Walsall were dealt a blow when Gareth Ainsworth, who had been on the pitch less than two minutes, was dismissed for a wild lunge on Holt.

The visitors came close to drawing level but Green came to Norwich's rescue with a fine stop from Junior's curling effort and then kept out Leitao's point-blank header two minutes later.

Mulryne could have added another for Norwich but his header sailed over the crossbar before Green produced a last-gasp save from to deny Wrack.

Norwich: Green, Kenton, Mackay, Fleming, Drury, Rivers, Mulryne, Holt, Easton, Roberts, McVeigh. Subs: Nielsen, Abbey, Lee-Barrett, Russell, Henderson.

Walsall: Walker, Bazeley, Hay, Roper, Aranalde, Sonner, O'Connor, Corica, Wrack, Leitao, Junior. Subs: Carbon, Birch, Ainsworth, Simpson, Ward.

Referee: R Beeby (Northamptonshire).