Cardiff City has achieved promotion back to the Championship with a decisive 3-1 win over Reading. The outcome was sealed when an extraordinary equalizing goal from Exeter's goalkeeper Jack Bycroft in the 96th minute against Stockport ensured that all of Cardiff's promotion rivals failed to secure a win, thereby enabling the Welsh team to clinch their return to the second tier following their relegation in the previous season.
Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy expressed his elation, stating, 'It means everything' during an interview with Sky Sports News. He praised his team, saying, 'I've been fortunate to work with a group of players who possess incredible ambition. At times, they've played exceptional football, and I'm truly grateful.' Barry-Murphy added, 'Because of the players' accomplishments and their impressive performance, we tend to overlook our humble beginnings. This is a very special club, and I always believed these players had the potential to achieve this feat.
I think the best part is that we've only seen the beginning of it.' The team's captain, Rubin Colwill, scored the opening goal with a back-post header in the 40th minute, giving City a 1-0 lead at halftime. Omari Kellyman then doubled their advantage 10 minutes into the second half. Although Daniel Kyerewaa reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute, defender Perry Ng sealed the win with a superb angled effort from 20 yards, just four minutes before the end. The confirmation of their promotion came when Exeter scored a dramatic equalizer, ensuring Cardiff's return to the second tier at the first attempt following their relegation to League One in the previous season.
The match began with Reading starting strongly, as defender Jeriel Dorsett missed a close-range opportunity and winger Kyerewaa drove the ball narrowly wide. However, Colwill broke the deadlock with a well-directed header past home goalkeeper Joel Pereira from Ryan Wintle's cross. The Bluebirds added a second goal when Kellyman broke the offside trap and calmly scored his ninth goal of the campaign.
The hosts reduced the deficit when Kyerewaa netted on the follow-up after Cardiff keeper Nathan Trott could only parry Lewis Wing's powerful free-kick. Ng's goal ultimately settled the issue, prompting Cardiff's 2,935 fans to celebrate wildly.