Norwich City Win First Premier League Match over Bolton Wanderers, 1-0

New York, NY - Hello fellow Norwich City Supporters! I am excited that Norwich City (1-2-2) had successfully ended their two-game losing streak when they won 2-1 over the Bolton Wanderers (1-0-4) at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday.

Last week, I pointed out in my article Norwich City FC: The Education of a Canaries Supporter that I wasn't going to provide standard game recaps whenever I watch the Canaries play because this is an education for me.

Rather than poach quotes from other websites or "borrow" the analysis which I may hear from the match or post game interview, I would rather be honest with you and admit that I'm writing this from a fan's perspective. Speaking of fans, I was impressed by the City fans who made the trip out to Reebok Stadium to support our club on Saturday.

Watching the fans appear on Fox Soccer Channel has made me envious of them because I wish I was I was there to experience the atmosphere and supporters culture. On a positive note, I'm definitely inspired to make a trip to Carrow Road so I can support the Canaries in person.

Until then, I love the interaction I've had with many of you. I will continue to watch the matches with the NY Canaries at the sports bar George Keeley in Amsterdam Ave. in New York City. While I await my opportunity to watch a match at Carrow Road, I enjoy following the Canaries while devouring a cheeseburger and washing it down with an oat soda. 

Watching the match from George Keeley, I was relieved to see a City match where our lads scored the first goal since their match against Stoke City a few weeks ago. In addition, I was ecstatic to observe how their defense was able to prevent their opposition from leveling the match in the final minutes of the fixture.

As I stated last week in BBC Sportsworld Have Your Say, I believe the Canaries have consistently moved the ball well and their defense has been solid. Despite that fact, the team has struggled to produce goals more consistently, they've been entertaining to watch because they play hard and manager Paul Lambert isn't afraid to make the necessary adjustments in order for the team to create more scoring opportunities.

Two first-half goals from Anthony Pilkington and Bradley Johnson were enough to produce Norwich City's first Premier League victory of the season. Pilkington's goal in the 37th minute demonstrated his game awareness in the penalty area as he accepted Steve Morison's pass and slithered his shot past Bolton's goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen to give the Canaries a 1-0 advantage. 

Prior to the first half concluding, I was pleased to see the Canaries score off a set-piece in the 42nd minute when David Fox's corner kick connected with Bradley Johnson's head to give City a 2-0 advantage. I was also ecstatic to see a call go Norwich's way when Wanderers' leading goal scorer Ivan Klasnic was given a red card for allegedly headbutting Marc Tierney.

In the second half, I believe Norwich City carried over their first half momentum by putting pressure on Bolton as they took two consecutive corner kicks. However, I shook my head in disbelief when the Canaries conceded a penalty for the fifth consecutive fixture.

Moments later, Martin Petrov successfully converted his penalty kick to give the Wanderers an opportunity to tie as they now trailed 2-1. Following Petrov's goal and for the duration of the match, I believed that Bolton has sapped the Canaries momentum.

Despite the momentum swing, the Canaries defense, along with the well-timed goalkeeping skills of John Ruddy who returned after serving a one-game suspension, were successfully able to prevent the Wanderers from producing their second goal.

The only thing on the back of my mind in stoppage was my concern that Bolton would be awarded another penalty kick or that they'll find a way to tie the match, which would have left me in a state of astonishment. Needless to say, Norwich City held on to win and as a fan, I'm already looking forward to seeing Norwich possibly win their second Premier League match when they return to Carrow Road on they host Sunderland A.F.C. (0-2-2) on Monday, September 26, 2011.

Until then, I'll continue with my Canaries education. Please feel free to contact me via email or Twitter. Thanks for reading! OTBC!

Other Premier League Results from Saturday

Blackburn Rovers (1-1-3) won 4-3 over Arsenal (1-1-3).

Swansea (1-2-2) won 3-0 over West Bromwich Albion (1-0-4).

Newcastle United (2-3-0) and Aston Villa (1-4-0) battled to a 1-1 draw.

Everton (2-1-1) won 3-1 over Wigan Athletic (1-2-2).

Queens Park Rangers (2-1-2) won 3-0 over the Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-1-2).

Cesar Diaz covers Soccer for LatinoSports.com. He also writes for 5 Points Press & USSoccerPlayers.com ; your source for American Soccer news brought to you by members of the U.S. National Team. Easily accessible, you may reach Cesar at [e-mail] and at Twitter at @CoveringSoccer.