DARYL Sutch stretched Norwich City’s lead at the top of the Premier League to five points as they overcame the shock of surrendering a two goal lead to shatter Aston Villa's 13 match unbeaten run.

Sutch grabbed a 48th minute winner for the Canaries just when Villa looked to have got out of jail.

Ron Atkinson's side were at sixes-and-sevens in the first half with Ugo Ehiogu, standing in at centre half for the injured Shaun Teale, having a nightmare time.

Norwich cruised into a two goal lead and had enough gilt-edged' opportunities to have run up a cricket score.

But Villa got back on level terms before Sutch's second goal of the season earned Norwich their fifth away win and ensured that justice was done.

The Canaries took command and Sutch waltzed past three challenges before creating the 17th minute opener for David Phillips.

It was a rare error by Spink which gifted Norwich their second goal in the 31st minute.

He failed to hold on to a Phillips corner while under no pressure and Beckford made no mistake after seizing onto the loose ball.

Villa were handed an unexpected lifeline in first half injury time when Gunn allowed Ray Houghton's 25 yard shot to slip under his body.

It was Houghton's first goal for Villa and he then turned creator after just 28 seconds of the second half when his neat chip found Gary Parker who turned the ball wide off Gunn.

But Norwich needed just 90 seconds to regain the lead and settle the issue when Sutch's low 20 yard drive curled past Spink into the far corner of the net.