Albion were beaten by a moment of wing magic – and poor defending – as Norwich ground out a precious win at the Amex today.

Former Seagulls loanee Bradley Johnson fired the 62nd-minute goal which gave the Canaries a 1-0 success.

The strike was created by recently-introduced substitute Nathan Redmond, who easily skipped away from Joe Bennett and slid the ball across goal from the byline.

His cross evaded Jonny Howson at the near post but was thumped home by Johnson, left totally unattended beyond the far.

It was a game of few chances and Albion had their best during a lively spell late in the first period.

Joao Teixeira fired wide after Beram Kayal had forced a defensive mistake.

Teixeira also saw a drive blocked by goalkeeper John Ruddy with his foot at the near post during that flurry of pressure.

But the hosts generally lacked attacking artistry.

Albion keeper David Stockdale kept his side on terms early on with a brilliant save from Johnson’s 25-yard free-kick.

But Johnson had the final say.