Alex Neil has suggested that Sunderland's first two goals should not have counted as his Norwich City side lost a crucial relegation six-pointer at Carrow Road.

The Black Cats took the lead just before half time when Fabio Borini scored from the spot after Andre Marriner judged Andre Wisdom to have brought the Italian down in the area.

Jermain Defoe doubled the advantage as the hour mark approached before Duncan Watmore made sure of the points in time added-on to blow the battle to avoid relegation wide open.

Speaking to Sky Sports News afterwards, Neil questioned the decision to award the penalty and claimed that Sebastien Bassong had been fouled in the build-up to Defoe's goal.

"I think you could argue the big decisions didn't go in our favour," he said. "I've said to the players if we are going to do it, then we are going to have to do it the hard way."

The result leaves Neil's men just one point above Sunderland in the table, although the North-East side do have a game in hand to come - a home encounter with Everton four days before the end of the season.

"You have to bear in mind the other teams are still chasing us. Sunderland have got to win that game in hand to make it count," Neil added.

"However, if we don't win games between now and the end of the season then it won't be enough."

Norwich's final four games see them take on Arsenal, Manchester United, Watford and Everton.