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Last Updated: Saturday, 22 April 2006, 15:51 GMT 16:51 UK

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Cardiff 0-1 Norwich

Robert Earnshaw scores on his return to Ninian Park

Earnshaw showed the talent that graced Cardiff for seven years

A fine Rob Earnshaw strike on his return to Cardiff gave Norwich the win.

The Wales striker - who spent seven years at Ninian Park - latched onto Paul McVeigh's sliderule 16th-minute pass to fire past Neil Alexander.

Cardiff had started brightly, with Steven Thompson, Cameron Jerome and Jason Koumas having early chances.

But with little at stake in the game the Bluebirds faded to the dismay of the fans in their final home game, Norwich comfortably holding their lead.

Cardiff manager Dave Jones:
"I don't think my two centre-backs will have an easier afternoon, but all credit to 'Earnie'.

"He had one chance and buried it while we were unable to do the same at the other end despite having a lot of the ball.

"We would have won the game hands down on possession, but one mistake has cost us."

Norwich manager Nigel Worthington:
"It was a workmanlike performance and we haven't done that enough this season.

"This was our first away win this year and our first in the green kit which will thankfully now be confined to the rubbish bin as no-one likes it.

"We had a poor start to the season but if we can finish in seventh or eighth spot that would be acceptable."

Cardiff: Alexander, Darlington, Barker (Jacobson 81), Cox, Loovens, Koumas, Scimeca, Parry, Ledley, Thompson, Jerome (Cooper 72).
Subs Not Used: Ndumbu-Nsungu, Margetson, Blake.

Booked: Koumas.

Norwich: Gallacher, Drury, Shackell, Fleming, Doherty, Huckerby, Hughes, McVeigh (Henderson 90), Etuhu, Robinson, Earnshaw.
Subs Not Used: Johansson, Charlton, Ryan Jarvis, Lewis.

Booked: Shackell.

Goals: Earnshaw 16.

Att: 11,590

Ref: A Marriner (W Midlands).