James McAtee grabbed the only goal at a windswept Carrow Road as Sheffield United edged out Norwich City to earn a third win in four Championship games and move six points clear of third place.
A miserable, rainy afternoon contributed to a game of very few chances, with McAtee's 62nd-minute tap-in, after a slick move, the first attempt on target.
But it was enough to take the Blades six points clear of both Luton Town, and Middlesbrough, who who were thumped 4-2 by Neil Warnock's Huddersfield Town.
FA Cup semi-finalists United came closest to breaking the deadlock before the break, but Anel Ahmedhodzic's header hit the bar, while the best Canaries opportunities fell to Marquinhos, who shot over in the first half and also had a 92nd-minute attempt saved.