Canaries seal promotion
Nelson header sinks Addicks at The Valley
Last Updated: April 17, 2010 7:14pm
Lambert: Promotion
Norwich made it an immediate return to the Championship with a promotion-clinching 1-0 victory over Charlton at The Valley.
Centre back Michael Nelson was the Norwich hero as his first-half header proved the difference at the ground where the Canaries were relegated last year.
Yet, while Nelson will grab the headlines for his goal, the visiting side had goalkeeper Fraser Forster to thank for a string of superb second-half saves.
Charlton midfielder Nicky Bailey had the best chances for the home side, who are at least guaranteed a place in the play-offs after Colchester's loss at Hartlepool.
And Addicks striker Nicky Forster was twice kept out by his namesake between the posts.
Both sides got off to a nervy start - indicative of what was at stake for both clubs - but Simon Lappin's inch-perfect corner was met by Nelson's head to cue wild celebrations from the visiting fans.
Deon Burton could have equalised on the hour, but he was also denied by a wonderful Forster save.
The visitors packed men behind the ball for the final 20 minutes and held on enough before venturing onto the pitch at full-time to celebrate with the packed away end.
Matches
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npower League 1
Table
npower League 1
| Pos | Team | P | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Doncaster Rovers | 46 | 84 |
| 2 | Bournemouth | 46 | 83 |
| 3 | Brentford | 46 | 79 |
| 4 | Yeovil Town | 46 | 77 |
| 5 | Sheffield United | 46 | 75 |
| 6 | Swindon Town | 46 | 74 |
| 7 | Leyton Orient | 46 | 71 |
| 8 | Milton Keynes Dons | 46 | 70 |
| 9 | Walsall | 46 | 68 |
| 10 | Crawley Town | 46 | 68 |
| 11 | Tranmere Rovers | 46 | 67 |
| 12 | Notts County | 46 | 65 |
| 13 | Crewe Alexandra | 46 | 64 |
| 14 | Preston North End | 46 | 59 |
| 15 | Coventry City | 46 | 55 |
| 16 | Shrewsbury Town | 46 | 55 |
| 17 | Carlisle United | 46 | 55 |
| 18 | Stevenage | 46 | 54 |
| 19 | Oldham Athletic | 46 | 51 |
| 20 | Colchester United | 46 | 51 |
| 21 | Scunthorpe United | 46 | 48 |
| 22 | Bury | 46 | 41 |
| 23 | Hartlepool United | 46 | 41 |
| 24 | Portsmouth | 46 | 32 |
