Josh Sargent scored his 11th goal of the season as Norwich City overcame Sunderland to stay firmly in contention for a Championship play-off place.
The USA international beat Anthony Patterson with a shot on the turn in the 81st minute as the Sunderland defence failed to deal with a loose, bouncing ball in the box.
It had looked like the Canaries would be frustrated by their north-east opponents in an often tepid encounter despite Gabriel Sara testing Patterson and then minutes later Abdoullah Ba hitting the bar at the other end.
Managerless Sunderland had won on their three previous league visits to Carrow Road but could not find an equaliser as their own chances of a top-six finish receded.