Cardiff City has confirmed their promotion to the Championship with a 3-1 win against Reading. The outcome was sealed when Exeter's goalkeeper, Jack Bycroft, scored a 96th-minute equalizer against Stockport, ensuring none of Cardiff's promotion rivals secured a win. As a result, the Welsh team has achieved an immediate return to the second tier after being relegated the previous season.
Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy expressed his gratitude and pride, stating, 'It means the world. I've been fortunate to work with a group of players who possess incredible ambition.' The team's captain, Rubin Colwill, scored the opening goal in the 40th minute, and Omari Kellyman doubled the lead in the 50th minute. Although Daniel Kyerewaa reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute, defender Perry Ng sealed the victory with a superb angled effort from 20 yards. The win was made sweeter when Exeter's dramatic equalizer confirmed Cardiff's promotion.
The team's journey to promotion has been remarkable, and head coach Barry-Murphy believes this is just the beginning, saying, 'I think the best thing is that we've only seen the start of it.'