Mackay and Abbey expose Millwall

Millwall 0 Norwich City

A composed and largely unflustered victory by Norwich City, made possible by two first-half strikes that capitalised on bad defending, meant Nigel Worthington's men sustained their push to reach the play-offs.

However, a good night in the capital for the team from East Anglia was slightly spoiled by the news that their neighbours Ipswich, one place above them, also won and maintained their precious two-point advantage. Nottingham Forest, in the final play-off place, are four points distant but once more within striking range with nine games remaining.

The way to Norwich's first goal after eight minutes was confused but lethal in its execution. Bizarrely it came about thanks to a midfielder playing in defence who set the ball up for a centre-half who had ventured forward but City's supporters would not have minded the details.

Due to an injury to Millwall's Matt Lawrence, Steven Reid was forced to fill in at right-back. From a Norwich attack, a weak header by him fell to Malky Mackay and from 15 yards out the centre-half struck the sweetest of half-volleys – improving even on Southampton keeper Antti Niemi's effort last weekend – when he found the top corner of Tony Warner's net.

The visitors could have extended their lead three minutes later but Zema Abbey's shot was smothered well by Warner. However, he made an amends shortly before the break. Millwall again failed to clear their penalty area and as Darren Ward dithered, Abbey crept in to finish.

Norwich, whose win here was only their second on the road in 14 attempts, had more to play for, which could explain their greater zest. Yet Millwall still showed some pluck after 15 minutes when Neil Harris took aim but saw his shot pushed wide by Rob Green.

The Londoners were clearly weaker minus the spiky, industrious qualities of Dennis Wise, among others. Without that added spark in midfield Mark McGhee's under-performing side struggled.

But the Lions did begin to pressurise their guests and it nearly paid dividends after 68 minutes. Reid curled in a free-kick that was headed on to Steve Claridge but Green pulled off a superb save from point-blank range to deny the veteran a goal and Millwall a lifeline.

Millwall (4-4-2): Warner; Bull (May, 85), Ward (Nethercott, 49), Robinson, Reid; Kinet (Hearn, 45), A Roberts, Livermore, Ifill; Claridge, Harris Substitutes not used: Gueret (gk), Ashikodi

Norwich City (4-4-2): Green; Drury, Mackay, Bromby, Nedergaard; Easton, Holt, Russell, Rivers (Healy, 90); Abbey (I Roberts, 89), McVeigh Substitutes not used: Crichton (gk), Kenton, Sinclair

Referee: A Hall (Birmingham)