Neal Maupay misses penalty as Norwich frustrate Brighton in goalless draw

A first-half penalty miss by Neal Maupay ensured Brighton and Norwich played out a goalless draw at the Amex Stadium.

The goal-shy hosts dominated throughout against their bottom-of-the-table opponents but saw their usual Achilles heel crop up again.

Maupay had the chance to break the deadlock in the 29th minute but blazed over before he squandered another late chance to ensure a second stalemate of the campaign between the teams.

Norwich’s quest to end a run of six straight defeats was not helped by further injury problems, with five players ruled out from their last match – a 2-1 defeat to a stoppage-time goal at Leeds three weeks ago.

The hosts were in equally poor form but the Seagulls started brightly with the recalled Tariq Lamptey and Maupay trying their luck early on in a sign of things to come.

It took until the 20th minute for a worthwhile opportunity to be created but Maupay and then Danny Welbeck, also back in the starting XI, scuffed their efforts following neat build-up play between Leandro Trossard and Pascal Gross.

A drilled strike off target by Alexis Mac Allister further signalled Brighton’s intent and they should have taken the lead just before the half-hour mark.

Referee Simon Hooper pointed to the spot after Sam Byram handled Gross’ deep cross, but the spot-kick was squandered by Maupay.

The French forward blazed over – after some pre-penalty words from visiting goalkeeper Tim Krul – much to the delight of the Canaries fans behind the goal.

It meant the hosts’ wait to celebrate a goal at the Amex Stadium continued having not witnessed Graham Potter’s side score at home since January 18.

Chances continued to be created, with Mac Allister curling wide after a smart free-kick by Solly March before