Evans on target but John pays penalty

But Norwich's bid to extend their unbeaten league run to 10 games was helped when Stern John blazed a 69th-minute penalty over the bar.

While Evans grabbed the winner, Dion Dublin — 39 in April — was was Norwich's best player.

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He had to come off after only two minutes following a clash of heads but was soon back on and his header from Mark Fotheringham's corner was saved by Kelvin Davis.

And minutes later Davis to parried another shot round the post.

But Saints were lively, with a three-man attack devised by caretaker boss John Gorman and they hit the woodwork twice in the first half.

Rasiak's low shot crashed back off the left post in the seventh minute and then Rudi Skacel curled a free kick in the 27th minute that zipped off the top of the Norwich bar.

But the most spectacular moment of the opening half came on 35 minutes when Stern John hit a volley that would have torn the net off if it had been a foot lower.

Norwich also went close on 44 minutes when Evans sent an effort against the right post and had a follow-up effort that was saved.

But Southampton did not heed that warning a minute later he scored the only goal, smashing a 20-yard shot into the net for his fourth goal in twelve games.

But after half-time Rasiak hit the post again, before the home side were awarded a penalty for Gary Doherty's handball.

Unfortunately for Southampton, John missed.