Unsung Norwich are just one game away from securing a place in the top flight for the first time in seven years.

They booked a place in the First Division play-off final at Cardiff on Sunday week with a gritty display at Molineux.

Considering a play-off spot was only secured on the final day of the season, it is remarkable achievement by manager Nigel Worthington.

Norwich will meet either Birmingham or Millwall, who meet tomorrow at the New Den with the scores locked at 1-1.

Wolves boss Dave Jones knew their best chance of getting back in the semi-final was if they scored an early goal.

But they had to wait until the 76th minute when Kevin Cooper scored with a spectacular 30-yard effort.

Wolves made a bright start and Alex Rae picked out Colin Cameron on the right but his cross was easily taken by Norwich keeper Robert Green.

Norwich looked dangerous on the counter and keeper Andy Oakes had to race out of his area to clear from the on-rushing David Nielsen.

They had a scare in the 17th minute when Malky Mackay sliced a clearance and Green did well to punch over Noel Blake's close range header.

Norwich almost took a three-goal advantage in the tie when Mark Rivers delivered a cross into the area and Clint Easton got away from his marker but steered his header wide.

It was an anxious moment for Wolves in their attempt to turn the semi-final around.

Rae then found Blake with a good cross but the finish was wasteful, his header going over the top.

Norwich keeper Green fumbled a shot from Colin Cameron but recovered to take the ball off Blake's toes.

Wolves were beginning to dominate and Rae fired a volley just wide to keep the pressure on.

Mohamed Camara went on another surging run for Wolves and found Sturridge, who released Rae but he dragged a shot wide of the target.

Wolves were walking a disciplinary tightrope with four players given yellow cards in the first half.

Three of them came at the end of the half and referee's decision to book Joleon Lescott, Sturridge and Butler incensed the crowd.

With Blake also cautioned, Wolves had to be cautious.

Norwich were playing some nice stuff and Paul McVeigh tried to pick out Easton only for Oakes to intercept the cross.

Gary Holt then split the Wolves defence with a surging run, only to be robbed by fellow Scotland international Cameron.

Sub Iwan Roberts should have put Norwich ahead on the night, only to head wide in front of the posts following a cross from Easton.

Wolves made the breakthrough in the 76th minute and put themselves back in the tie in spectacular style.

Cooper picked out a loose ball 35 yards out and rattled an unstoppable shot past Green.

That reduced the aggregate to 3-2 to Norwich and Butler almost pulled Wolves level, only to see his header go wide.

That was their last chance and their dreams of returning to the top flight after 18 years ended in heartache.

Wolverhampton: Oakes, Halle (Miller 74), Lescott, Butler, Camara, Newton (Kennedy 45), Cameron, Rae, Cooper, Blake, Sturridge.

Subs Not Used: Naylor, Pollet, Murray.

Booked: Blake, Lescott, Butler, Sturridge.

Goals: Cooper 77.

Norwich: Green, Kenton, Mackay, Fleming, Drury, Rivers (Sutch 71), Holt, Mulryne, Easton, Nielsen (Iwan Roberts 45), McVeigh (Notman 90).

Subs Not Used: Crichton, Libbra.

Agg (2-3)

Att: 27,418

Ref: A R Leake (Darwen).