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Apr 18, 2026

Cardiff secure Championship spot as Exeter keeper’s stoppage‑time header robs Stockport of promotion

AI Summary
Cardiff City clinched an immediate return to the Championship after a 3‑1 win at Reading, while a dramatic header by Exeter’s goalkeeper Jack Bycroft in added time denied Stockport County promotion. The same round saw Bromley ascend to League One without playing and Lincoln City pause title celebrations after a 2‑2 draw.

Cardiff City celebrated an instant bounce back to the Championship after a 3‑1 victory over Reading on Saturday. Their promotion hinged on Stockport County’s result at Exeter, where the County side led 3‑2 deep into stoppage time.

In a stunning twist, Exeter’s goalkeeper Jack Bycroft surged forward for a corner and headed the ball into the net in the sixth minute of added time, equalising for the hosts and snatching the promotion slot from Stockport. The goal not only kept Exeter’s survival hopes alive but also cemented Cardiff’s ascent.

Exeter manager Matt Taylor praised the keeper’s commitment, noting that Bycroft “had the belief the ball might be there and executed an excellent header.”

Elsewhere in League One, Bromley were promoted to the division without stepping onto the pitch, as other results secured their elevation to League One for the first time in club history.

Lincoln City saw their title celebrations put on hold after a 2‑2 draw with Stevenage, courtesy of a stoppage‑time equaliser from Rob Street. The Imps now need just one more point to clinch the championship, underscoring the fine margins at the top of the table.

Other notable moments from the round included:

  • Bolton Wanderers salvaged a 3‑3 draw against playoff rivals Huddersfield Town with an 11th‑minute stoppage‑time equaliser from Ibrahim Cissoko after playing with ten men.
  • Barnsley earned a point through Leo Farrell’s first goal for the club, also in a 2‑2 draw against promotion‑chasing Bradford City, as manager Conor Hourihane announced his impending departure.
  • Plymouth Argyle kept their playoff hopes alive with a 3‑1 win at AFC Wimbledon, highlighted by goals from Alex Mitchell, Lorent Tolaj and Bim Pepple.
  • Luton Town rallied from two goals down to draw 2‑2 at Mansfield Town, while Blackpool edged Wycombe Wanderers 1‑0 despite a red card for Hayden Coulson.
  • Doncaster Rovers secured a comfortable 3‑1 victory over relegated Northampton Town, with second‑half strikes from Elliot Lee, Hakeeb Adelakun and George Broadbent.
  • Rotherham United recorded a 2‑0 win at Leyton Orient, thanks to a lucky opener from Harry Gray.

In League Two action, Kabongo Tshimanga netted a brace to give Barnet a 2‑1 win at Notts County, while MK Dons moved one win away from promotion after a 3‑1 triumph over Crewe Alexandra. Additional highlights featured Accrington Stanley’s late equaliser by Luke Butterfield, Salford City’s 2‑1 victory over Oldham Athletic, and Grimsby Town’s emphatic 4‑1 win at Gillingham to boost their playoff bid.

Relegation battles continued with Barrow suffering a 3‑1 defeat to Walsall, while Harrogate Town kept their survival hopes alive with a dramatic 1‑0 win over Colchester United. Bristol Rovers edged Tranmere Rovers 2‑1, Crawley Town held Shrewsbury Town to a goalless draw – their first home clean sheet in three years – and Cheltenham Town secured a 1‑0 victory against Newport County in another relegation‑scramble.