Wolves 1-0 Norwich

by Simon Williams

at the Molineux Stadium

AFTER last season’s contrasting fortunes, newly promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers met recently relegated Norwich City at the Molineux in the final game of the Championship’s opening weekend.

And it was Wolves, who had spent last season in League One following two consecutive relegations, who snatched the points after Dave Edwards headed home just minutes after the Canaries were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Martin Olsson.

The opening exchanges were played at breathtaking pace as the two sides looked to kick-start their respective campaigns.

And it was the home side, returning to the Championship having set a new club record points total to seal their promotion, who had the chance to open the scoring inside the first minute — Bakery Sako dragging a low cross into the path of Edwards, who lifted his shot high into the Jack Harris stand.

Wolves frustrated their visitors with some neat, intricate passing in the middle of the park which culminated in Olsson picking up the first booking of the afternoon after a challenge on Rajiv van La Parra.

But despite the end-to-end football played by both sides, chances were at a premium and the half ended goalless.

Wolves again started the second-half on the front foot but could have easily been a goal down after Lewis Grabban, a summer signing from Bournemouth, steered his shot just wide of Carl Ikeme’s goal.

But the game changed on the hour mark after referee Simon Hooper gave Olsson his marching orders following a second yellow after a challenge, again on Van La Parra.

And the Canaries were made to pay just minutes later. Van La Parra delivered brilliant cross from the right which was met by Edwards, who powered his header past John Ruddy.

Wolves continued to dominate and had the chance to double their lead through Sako, Leon Clarke and James Henry, who all saw good chances go begging.

But despite failing to find a second goal, Kenny Jackett’s side walked away with a valuable three points.