Best of the action from Norwich City’s 2-0 win over title hopefuls Brighton

Anthony Knockaert of Brighton gets a yellow card from referee Tim Robinson during the first half. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

The pocket-rocket playmaker forced both goals with long-range shots which hit the woodwork and rebounded into the net off the back of Brighton keeper David Stockdale.

The match leaves the Canaries in eighth place in the Championship table but seven points adrift of the play-offs with two games remaining, away at Leeds next Saturday and at home to QPR on Sunday, May 7.

Brighton's defeat did prevent Chris Hughton's team from wrapping up the Championship title, with a seven-point lead over second-placed Newcastle, who host Preston on Monday night.

Our man Paul Chesterton, of Focus Images, was there as always to capture the action. Scroll down to see some of his images from the victory over the Seagulls.

Alex Pritchard shoots to force City's first goal, with the ball hitting the bar and going in off Brighton keeper David Stockdale. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Analysis and reaction

• Match report: Norwich City 2 Brighton 0

• 'How good has Alex Pritchard been, what a player we have there' – Norwich City fans enjoy victory over Brighton

David Stockdale's frustration is clear for all to see after Alex Pritchard's shot came off the bar and went in off his back for the opening goal - only for it to happen to him again before half-time arrived. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

• Story of the match: Norwich City 2 Brighton 0

• Reaction: Alex Pritchard answers the Brighton boo boys for Norwich chief Alan Irvine

Lightning strikes twice as Alex Pritchard strikes a shot which hits the woodwork and goes in off David Stockdale again. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Alex Pritchard was destroyer in chief against Brighton when only rebounds off keeper David Stockdale prevented him being credited with both goals. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Steven Naismith, left, congratulates Alex Pritchard after City go 2-0 up against Brighton. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Mitchell Dijks takes on Brighton's Anthony Knockaert. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Josh Murphy is sent to the ground by Brighton's Oliver Norwood. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Jonny Howson in midfield action during the win over Brighton. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Nelson Oliveira of Norwich rues a missed chance early on against the Seagulls. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Jamie Murphy heads over for Brighton. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

City's interim boss Alan Irvine welcomed former Canaries manager Chris Hughton, right, back to Carrow Road. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Alex Pritchard is congratulated by City team-mates after forcing the first goal against the Seagulls. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Chris Hughton missed out on a winning return to Norwich City. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Josh Murphy of Norwich and Oliver Norwood of Brighton & Hove Albion during the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

The traveling Brighton fans were in party mood before the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

The traveling Brighton fans were in party mood before the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

The traveling Brighton fans were in party mood before the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

James Maddison of Norwich in action during the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

John Ruddy of Norwich in action during the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

The traveling Brighton fans during the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Alex Pritchard looked keen to impress for Norwich City. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Josh Murphy of Norwich has a shot on goal during the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Steven Naismith scored and was set off for Norwich. Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Steven Naismith of Norwich heads for goal during the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Russell Martin is gearing up fo a huge end to his season. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

The traveling Brighton fans during the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

The race to join Brighton in next season's Premier League is hotting up. Picture: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images (Image: �Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)

Nelson Oliveira of Norwich and Steve Sidwell of Brighton & Hove Albion in action during the Sky Bet Championship match at Carrow Road, Norwich Picture by Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd +44 7904 640267 21/04/2017 (Image: ©Focus Images Limited www.focus-images.co.uk +447814 482222)