Cardiff City has achieved promotion to the Championship with a decisive 3-1 win against Reading. The outcome was sealed when an extraordinary equalizing goal by Exeter's Jack Bycroft in the 96th minute against Stockport ensured that none of Cardiff's promotion rivals secured a win, thereby guaranteeing the Welsh team's immediate return to the second tier after being relegated the previous season. Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy expressed his elation, stating, 'It means everything.
I've had the privilege of working with an incredibly ambitious group of players who have produced football of the highest quality at times.' The team's captain, Rubin Colwill, gave Cardiff a 1-0 lead at halftime with a well-placed header, and Omari Kellyman doubled the advantage early in the second half. Although Daniel Kyerewaa reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute, defender Perry Ng sealed the victory with a superbly angled effort four minutes from time. The win was further confirmed by Exeter's dramatic late equalizer, solidifying Cardiff's promotion in their first season after being relegated from the Championship.
Reading had started strongly, with Jeriel Dorsett and Kyerewaa coming close, but Colwill's header from Ryan Wintle's cross broke the deadlock. Kellyman added a second by breaking the offside trap and calmly scoring his ninth goal of the season.
The hosts pulled one back when Kyerewaa followed up after Cardiff keeper Nathan Trott parried Lewis Wing's powerful free-kick, but Ng's goal secured the three points, sending Cardiff's 2,935 fans into wild celebrations.