Norwich secure promotion

17 April 2010 18:44

Defender Michael Nelson headed Norwich into the Championship with the only goal in their victory at Charlton.

Nelson scored the winner at the same ground where the Canaries were relegated last year when he headed in Simon Lappin's inch-perfect corner, while goalkeeper Fraser Forster made several fine saves to deny Nicky Forster and Deon Burton.

Relegation-threatened Gillingham put a dent in Leeds' promotion push with a thrilling 3-2 win at the Priestfield Stadium.

Adam Miller and Mark Bentley put the Gills 2-0 up and Richard Naylor's own goal made it three before Luciano Becchio cut the deficit on the stroke of half-time. Jermaine Beckford's 87th-minute penalty set up an exciting finale but the West Yorkshire side were unable to find a late equaliser.

Swindon were unable to take advantage, though they closed to within two points of Leeds with a 1-1 draw against Walsall. Steve Jones' fierce low cross-shot put the Saddlers ahead a minute before half-time but the prolific Charlie Austin equalised 10 minutes into the second period.

Colchester remain six points adrift of the play-off places after being beaten 3-1 at Hartlepool, leaving the hosts looking good for survival.

Tranmere also gave their safety hopes a huge boost with a 3-1 home win over fellow strugglers Exeter, who had James Dunne sent off for two quickfire first-half bookings, while Kevin Betsy's last-minute goal gave 22nd-placed Wycombe a potentially crucial 3-2 win at MK Dons.

Southend remain seven points adrift of the final safety position, held by Exeter, after they were beaten 1-0 at home by Brighton. Ashley Barnes scored the only goal in the 15th minute.

Leyton Orient jumped two places to 18th, four points clear of the drop zone, as second-half goals from Ryan Jarvis and Eric Lichaj earned them a 2-0 win over already-relegated Stockport.

Lee Barnard's last-minute winner at Yeovil kept 10-man Southampton's slim play-off hopes alive, while Oldham won 2-1 at Carlisle thanks to goals from Lewis Guy and Dale Stephens and Bristol City and Brentford played out a goalless draw.

Source: PA