Reading's dismal end to the season continued with a defeat which finished off any lingering hopes of reaching the playoffs for another season. Four defeats, a draw and only one win in the past six game is relegation form from a team until recently seemed well-placed to make a late challenge for a place in the play-offs.

Second placed Cardiff, probably feeling the burden of expectation, started the game cautiously. Even their huge contingent of usually vociferous fans seemed slightly subdued. Reading were getting forward and finding space in the City half. A couple of promising situations came to nothing due to poor decision-making and hesitancy in possession. Dorsett came close to giving Reading the lead with a header which struck the post. Kyerewaa was particularly guilty of indecision around the edge of the box and consequently failed to test Trott. City were certainly not playing with a confidence expected by a team looking to secure promotion.

City came more into the game as the half progressed and it took an outstanding last-ditch interception by Rhinomhota to prevent from falling behind. The retuning Rhinamhota had an outstanding match underlining the qualities missing from the current squad. He covered a remarkable amount of ground, winning tackles, driving forward in possession, and passing forward and looking to receive a return pass in stead of standing to admire his work. His return provided a much-needed hint of optimism for next season. Also, he was able to hold midfield allowing Wing to play further up the pitch.

Five minutes before half time Cardiff scored the crucial first goal. A poor defensive header by Ehibhatiomhan dropped to Wintle just outside the box who floated a ball into the Reading penalty area. Colwill rose unchallenged to direct a looping header over Pereira to give City the lead. It was not a particularly difficult cross to defend, making it all the more frustrating. Soon after, frustration came again for Reading, this time at the other end, when Lane saw his good strike well saved by Trott getting down smartly to deflect the ball up and over the bar. Ironically, less power might have seen the bar drop under the bar.

City's second goal early in the second half was gifted by sloppy defending allowing Kellyman to run unchallenged from just inside his own half after Reading had lost possession. The finish was calm and clinical, qualities which have disappeared from Reading's finishing since Marriott's absence due to injury. Reading briefly came back into contention courtesy of another Wing free-kick, this time from well outside the box. Trott could only parry the shot and Kyerewaa pounced on the loose ball to reduce the arrears with a powerful strike.

There was an 'incident' in the City box which looked remarkably like an elbow in the face by a City player and the resulting scuffle ended with Wintle, Kyerewaa and O'Connor picking up yellow cards. Marriott made his return and had a chance to score with his first touch which might made it more interesting. However, apart from a lot of huffing and puffing, and roars from City fans keeping tabs on their rivals Stockport conceded goals at Exeter as the game hung in the balance, nothing significant happened. Ng sealed promotion for the City with a superb strike four minutes from time.

Out of habit I watched to the bitter end of the ten minutes of stoppage time before making a hurried exit to catch an early train before the City fans began to celebrate their triumph. Reading will clearly need to strengthen their squad this summer if they are to make a serious challenge for promotion next season.

John Wells