Gary Ablett received a boost ahead of the tough game against the League 1 leaders when David Perkins declared himself fit. The combative midfielder was a major doubt after limping out of Saturday's draw with Walsall but his hip injury responded to treatment over the weekend.

With Perkins fit the County chief was able to name an unchanged side; he also kept the same seven players on the bench.

Former County stars Michael Rose and Oli Johnson were both amongst the Canaries substitutes.

Norwich took an early lead after James Vincent tried to skip through the midfield but lost the ball, Norwich broke and Anthony McNamee chipped Owain Fon Williams from the edge of the area.

But rather than follow the format of previous games, County instead equalised ten minutes later. Jabo Ibehre first attempt was a scuffed effort, but his next found its way through a crowded area and past Declan Rudd in goal.

County took heart and tried probing some more. Jemal Johnson had an effort that sailed wide of the post, and then tried a cross that went long past Richie Partridge, the intended target.

Norwich regained their lead after 25 minutes from a corner. Owain Fon Williams blocked from an initial effort at the far post, but the ball eventually found its way to Grant Holt who played it past the Welsh 'keeper.

The home side continued to build the pressure. Full-back Russell Martin cut inside to try a shot with his left, but it was easily gathered by Fon Williams. Lappin and Russell also had chances.

At half time, the brave Paul Huntington, who'd put in a couple of challenges despite clearly struggling with an injury, was replaced by youngster Andy Halls.

Norwich forced a corner at the beginning of the second half, but it merely resulted in Holt hitting the side netting from the byline.

Chris Martin fired a shot across the stretching Fon Williams - it hit the post and Grant Holt tried to get a touch, it was blocked by Swailes on the line.

Both sides exchanged chances throughout the second half, but neither made a break through. George Donnelly forced Rudd into a low save to his right, and David Poole fired a shot that took a deflection for a corner.

County pushed hard in the last few minutes, with Owain Fon Williams running up when County won a corner. The cross came in but Greg Tansey's swinging effort hit the side netting.