Cardiff City has secured a return to the Championship after defeating Reading 3-1. The win, combined with Exeter's late equalizer against Stockport, ensured that all of Cardiff's promotion rivals failed to secure a win, thus cementing the Welsh team's immediate return to the second tier following their relegation the previous season.
Head coach Brian Barry-Murphy expressed his joy, stating, 'It means everything to us.' He praised his players for their incredible ambition and skill, saying, 'At times, they played football that was truly exceptional.' The team's captain, Rubin Colwill, scored the opening goal with a back-post header in the 40th minute. Omari Kellyman then 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 four minutes from the end. The confirmation of their promotion was further solidified by Exeter's dramatic equalizer, marking Cardiff's return to the Championship at the first attempt after being relegated the previous season. Reading started strongly, with Jeriel Dorsett and Kyerewaa having early opportunities.
However, it was Colwill who broke the deadlock with a well-directed header from Ryan Wintle's cross. The Bluebirds then 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 after Cardiff keeper Nathan Trott could only parry Lewis Wing's powerful free-kick.
Nonetheless, Ng's superb effort from 20 yards settled the issue, prompting Cardiff's 2,935 fans to celebrate wildly.