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MONDAY | APR 20, 2026

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Bluebirds soar again, promotion secured in chaos

REVELRY in Reading tends to be associated with the annual music festi val which attracts hundreds of

seen at Cardiff City Stadium or its pre cursor, Ninian Park. The Irishman has also built his team around a core of young Welsh players and, most importantly, he has got them winning. Cardiff could not afford to let their stay in League One extend beyond one season – figuratively and literally. By securing an instant return to the Championship, Barry-Murphy and his staff and players have saved the Bluebirds from further financial damage. There will then be one more fix ture at Cardiff City Stadium, against Northampton on April 25, before the Bluebirds finish their campaign at Mansfield Town a week later. This time, they can enjoy the ride and take in the sights of League One they hope not to see again for another two decades – or longer. – Agencies

Promotion may not have been as historic an achievement as it was for Lincoln. After all, Cardiff were in the Premier League only seven years ago and had not been as low down as the third tier for more than two decades. But there can’t have been many promotions confirmed in circum stances more thrilling than these. And once the bedlam subsides, Cardiff will reflect on a moment – and season – to cherish. Having flirted with relegation for years, the Bluebirds finally tumbled out of the Championship 12 months ago, a dismal campaign set to a back drop of discord and disillusionment off the field. By contrast, this season has been a tonic to the misery that came before. The overhaul under head coach Brian Barry-Murphy has led to an entertaining style of football seldom

seemed to be an acceptance that their return to the Championship was all but confirmed; a formality not yet mathematically official because Stockport County were winning at Exeter City. But in the sixth minute of added time in Devon, the relegation-threat ened Grecians sent goalkeeper Jack Byford up for a corner and his crash ing header at the near post snatched a 3-3 draw for the home side – and sparked even wilder celebrations among Cardiff’s fans at Reading. “It was one of those things you couldn’t predict,” said Bluebirds head coach Brian Barry-Murphy. “It’s the beautiful nature of foot ball and it’s a fitting end to what has been a magnificent season for us all. “It’s been an incredible day to see our supporters and those extraordi nary scenes towards the end of the game.”

thousands of people to the town. During the past few weeks, it’s also been the place to be for football celebrations. First it was Lincoln City. On Easter Monday, the Imps won at Reading to earn promotion to the second tier of English football for the first time in 65 years, a blissful day in the sun for their euphoric fans. On Saturday, it was Cardiff City’s turn. Another sold-out travelling con tingent in Berkshire savouring League One promotion. And this time, it was done in the most dra matic fashion. t al ce M ea

As Cardiff led 3-1 in added time, there

Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy.

Cardiff City players and staff celebrate in front of their supporters. – @CardiffCityFC/X

United march on Devils beat Chelsea as Carrick’s side surge while Blues slump out of contention

M ATHEUS CUNHA fired Manchester United towards the Champions League with a 1-0 win at Chelsea yesterday, while Tottenham remain in the relegation zone after twice blowing the lead to draw with Brighton. Chelsea failed to take advantage of a United defence ravaged by injury and suspension as a fourth straight league defeat for the Blues left their Champions League hopes in ruins. United have missed out on the riches of Europe’s elite competition for the past two sea sons but are closing in on a return thanks to an upturn in fortunes under Michael Carrick. Cunha swept home Bruno Fernandes’ cross just before halftime to open up a 10-point gap between the Red Devils in third and Chelsea in sixth. “It was massive for us, a big win,” said Carrick. “To come here and keep a clean sheet like we did, and defend the way we did, I thought it was a magnificent performance.

To add to the Blues’ woes, Brazilian teenager Estevao went off after 15 minutes with what looked a serious injury. “He was crying at halftime,” said Rosenior. “It looks like it’s his hamstring.” At the other end of the table, Brighton’s equaliser saved Wolves from being officially relegated but their eight-year stay in the top flight is coming to an end after a 3-0 defeat at Leeds. Bournemouth piled more pressure on Newcastle manager Eddie Howe with a 2-1 win at St James’ Park. Bournemouth climb to eighth and within four points of the Champions League places. Newcastle, by contrast, remain in 14th with their hopes of European football next season all but over. Brentford missed the chance to leapfrog Chelsea into the top six after being held to a 0-0 draw by west London rivals Fulham. – AFP/The Independent

defeats in their last seven, during which they have conceded 16 times, with seven of their nine goals scored coming against Sky Bet League One Port Vale. Asked what failure to qualify for the Champions League would mean for his own future, Liam Rosenior said: “The honest answer is I don’t know.” He could at least point to a much-improved display following the capitulation here against Manchester City a week ago, but his team look short of belief that despite creating a wave of chances, they appeared to have given up long before the end. “Tonight was a really difficult result to take,” said Rosenior. “They’ve had one shot on our goal when we’re down to 10 men off an injury, and they score. Then we have wave after wave of attack, crosses in the box, moments that we don’t take advantage of. “We have to keep working. We have to turn this around.”

They’re the moments we live for really, that’s why we’re in it.” Carrick added: “For big games, important games, big performances. And then for the sup porters to feel it, it gives me a lot of satisfaction when I can be part of that and see all the people enjoying it so much. That’s the beauty of foot ball and the pure form of it. “The boys take so much credit for that. And the coaches in terms of putting the plan together and adapting over the last couple of days. “There’s a lot of things to be proud of tonight. We can play a little bit better at times, but I thought it was a game for a result and we man aged to find it.” Chelsea, who trail fifth-placed Liverpool by four points having played a game more, have lost four league games in a row without scoring for the first time in 28 years. Not since 1912 have the team endured a longer streak. In all competitions the run stands at six

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