Norwich City coasted to a 3-1 victory against Nottingham Forest at Carrow Road to move within three points of the top of the Championship.

Clear-cut chances were hard to come by in the opening stages as both sides defended tightly, but Michail Antonio might have forced the issue for the visitors if Alexander Tettey hadn't been on hand to snuff out his shot with a deft interception.

Norwich came close in the 23rd minute when Cameron Jerome latched on to Jonny Howson's cross at the back post, only to fire his shot into the ground and watch it bounce harmlessly over the bar.

Canaries goalkeeper John Ruddy was called into action just before the half-hour mark, thwarting Antonio from close range after the Forest man was played through on goal by Chris Burke.

Ruddy was tested again 10 minutes before the break, denying Ben Osborn from 12 yards after the young midfielder hit one on the turn.

Forest were asking all of the questions, but it was Norwich who drew first blood as first-half stoppage time approached. Wes Hoolahan provided a lofted pass for Howson to collect and mark his 100th Canaries appearance with the goal that separated the sides at the interval.

Norwich began the second half in barnstorming fashion and doubled their advantage in the 56th minute as Martin Olsson's cross was met with a cheeky backheel from Jerome that ended up in the back of the net.

The Canaries added a third from the penalty spot just before the hour mark as Burke was adjudged to have fouled Olsson in the box, allowing Hoolahan to step up and add his name to the scoresheet.

It could have been even worse for Forest as Graham Dorrans and Hoolahan played a one-two in the 70th minute before the latter dragged a shot narrowly wide, but the visitors added a consolation moments later.

Gary Gardner's strike was only parried as far as Burke by Ruddy, who tapped home from close range to reduce the deficit, but it was too little, too late for Dougie Freedman's side.