Last updated on .From the section Championship

Ben Godfrey headed home the winner under pressure for Norwich

Norwich City extended their gap at the top of the Championship to four points with a hard-fought victory at relegation-threatened Rotherham United.

The hosts impressed in the first half but fell behind when Kenny McLean hooked beyond onrushing Millers keeper Marek Rodak after a well-timed run.

Defender-turned-midfielder Semi Ajayi levelled for Rotherham, turning on the edge of the box and finding the bottom corner for his sixth goal in five games.

But Scotland midfielder McLean turned provider to seal it for Norwich, his corner headed back across goal and in by centre-back Ben Godfrey.

A sixth win in a row moves Daniel Farke's side five points clear of third-placed Leeds United, who were beaten by fellow title contenders Sheffield United earlier on Saturday.

Jerry Yates came closest to a second equaliser for the Yorkshire side but poked wide with his first touch after coming on, meaning Paul Warne's men stay 22nd and are now a point from safety despite only a second defeat in nine.

In-form Norwich playmaker Emi Buendia had an effort cleared off the line as the visitors pushed for a third, but in the end they were content to see out the result.

While the Canaries were unchanged for a sixth game running, Rotherham were without suspended pair Joe Mattock and Will Vaulks, as well as Ryan Williams - who withdrew after his girlfriend went into labour - leaving the Millers with six substitutes.

However, the home side gave as good as they got in the first half, Michael Smith heading their best chance off target, while Ajayi's purple patch in front of goal will give them hope in the run-in.

Rotherham manager Paul Warne:​

"I thought the lads were excellent. If Norwich have their best day and we have our best day, we're always going to struggle because they are a formidable side.​

​"With eight games to go, if we can keep that level of performance up, we can have a great end to the season.​

​"Going a goal down before half-time, when we played well, was a bit of a hammer blow.​ It was disappointing to concede a set-piece. We should mark better than that, it's inexcusable. Overall the lads were virtually blemish-free."

​Norwich head coach Daniel Farke:

"Tough games will still come and in the Championship the momentum can change quickly. ​

​​"We are handling spicy games and when we are in the spotlight. We have overachieved in the eyes of so many people so far. It's a good position to be in.​

​​​"We know we are in a brilliant position. It was important to protect our gap to West Brom and Middlesbrough. It's not already done but we have a big chance in the fight for automatic promotion.​"​

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