Cardiff City has confirmed their promotion to the Championship following a decisive 3-1 win over Reading. The outcome was further solidified by an extraordinary 96th-minute equaliser from Exeter's Jack Bycroft against Stockport, ensuring none of Cardiff's promotion rivals secured a win. This remarkable turn of events enabled the Welsh team to achieve an immediate return to the second tier after being relegated in the previous season.
Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy expressed his pride, stating, 'It means the world. I've had the privilege of working with a group of players who possess incredible ambition. At times, they've played exceptional football, and I'm truly grateful.' The team's captain, Rubin Colwill, scored the first goal in the 40th minute with a well-placed header, while Omari Kellyman extended their lead in the second half.
Although Daniel Kyerewaa reduced the deficit for Reading in the 73rd minute, defender Perry Ng sealed the victory with a superb angled effort from 20 yards. The win was capped off by Exeter's dramatic equaliser, confirming Cardiff's promotion in their first season back in League One.