Cardiff secure Championship promotion after dramatic win over Reading and late Exeter equaliser seals their return
CARDIFF City have confirmed their immediate return to the Championship after a 3-1 victory over Reading was complemented by an extraordinary late equaliser from Exeter City, sealing promotion for the Bluebirds in a weekend of high drama.
While Cardiff’s win at the Select Car Lease Stadium put them on the brink of glory, BBC reported that they were reliant on fourth-placed Stockport County dropping points at relegation-threatened Exeter.
In a stunning twist, Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft scored in the sixth minute of injury time to force a 3-3 draw against Stockport, triggering wild celebrations among the travelling Cardiff faithful.
The Bluebirds entered the match knowing a win was essential to maintain their promotion charge. They broke the deadlock late in the first half when captain Rubin Colwill rose to meet Ryan Wintle’s cross, heading home in front of 3,000 boisterous away supporters.
The momentum continued after the interval as Omari Kellyman doubled the lead. Latching onto another incisive through ball from Wintle, Kellyman showed composure to finish calmly and put Cardiff in control.
Reading briefly threatened a comeback when Daniel Kyerewaa pounced on a rebound after Lewis Wing’s free-kick was parried by Nathan Trott. However, Perry Ng extinguished any hopes of a Reading revival, lashing a superb third from the edge of the area to secure the three points.
Despite their victory, Cardiff players and staff faced an anxious wait for news from St James Park. It was only in the final moments of stoppage time that confirmation arrived of Exeter’s staggering fightback from 2-0 and 3-2 down, mathematically guaranteeing Cardiff’s ascent to the second tier.
For the Royals, the defeat effectively signals the end of their promotion ambitions. Reading sit 10th in League One, trailing sixth-placed Stevenage by six points with only two fixtures remaining.
