Cardiff City has achieved promotion to the Championship with a decisive 3-1 win over Reading. The outcome was sealed when Exeter City's goalkeeper, Jack Bycroft, scored an extraordinary equalizing goal in the 96th minute against Stockport, ensuring that all of Cardiff's promotion rivals failed to secure a win. As a result, Cardiff has earned an immediate return to the second tier following their relegation in the previous season.
Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy expressed his delight, 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 opening goal with a back-post header in the 40th minute, and Omari Kellyman doubled their lead 10 minutes into the second half.
Although Daniel Kyerewaa reduced the deficit in the 73rd minute, defender Perry Ng sealed the victory with a superb angled effort from 20 yards, four minutes from the end. The win was further confirmed when Exeter scored a dramatic equalizer, ensuring Cardiff's promotion at the first attempt following their relegation to League One in the previous season.