Story added: 16th July 2024

Norwich City Powerchair Football team return to WFA Premiership

Norwich City Community Sports Foundation’s Bateman Groundworks Powerchair Football team returned to the WFA Premiership on Saturday, 13th of July after defeating Premiership side Nomad Knights to return to the top flight.

The Canaries arrived at the Lee Westwood Sports Centre in Nottingham as slight underdogs in the tie, having scraped a playoff spot on the season’s final day with four victories from four in their closing round of fixtures. A shortage of squad availability also saw Norwich play with only four players at their disposal; Hannah Murgatroyd (goalkeeper), Mike Coleman (centre), Johann George (winger), Henry (winger).

Nomad Knights also had a flying final day of their own, accruing eight of their 14 points in the final four matches (two wins and two draws), giving them confidence heading into the playoff clash.

A cagey first half saw neither side able to break the deadlock. Though Norwich attacked well in the opening stages, it was resilient defence that kept the game at bay. Nomad Knights enjoyed most of the possession with the Canaries enjoying the majority of their football on the break.

Nomad Knights came out strong in the second half with some heavy attacks and good passing, eventually opening the scoring in the 31^st minute through Regan Kemp. Norwich had to react quickly and did just that as Johann George equalised no more than four minutes after conceding.

Caginess returned as the two sides took greater concern on the defensive end of the pitch, knowing the next goal could likely prove a winner, but the final whistle would sound and the game headed to extra time.

Norwich wasted absolutely no time from the kick-off forcing an early corner. Mike Coleman would subsequently convert Henry’s corner inside two minutes. A resilient nine-minute defensive display would follow and the final sound of the referee’s whistle ensured Norwich City would return to the PFA Premiership for the first time in 10 years.

The side were also awarded the ‘Fair Play’ award for their for their exemplary behaviour and spirit throughout the WFA Championship campaign.

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