Cardiff City has secured a promotion back to the Championship following a 3-1 win over Reading, capitalizing on their rivals' inability to secure wins. The decisive moment came when Exeter's goalkeeper, Jack Bycroft, scored an equalizer in the 96th minute against Stockport, paving the way for Cardiff's immediate return to the second tier after their relegation the previous season.
Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy expressed his joy, stating, 'It means everything to us.' He praised his players, saying, 'I've had the privilege of working with a group of players who possess incredible ambition and have played exceptional football at times.' The team's captain, Rubin Colwill, gave Cardiff a 1-0 lead at halftime with a header in the 40th minute, while Omari Kellyman doubled the 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, four minutes from the end.
The promotion was confirmed after Exeter's dramatic equalizer, marking a successful return to the Championship for Cardiff City after last season's relegation to League One.