Cardiff came into this game knowing that promotion was a matter of time; only the most improbable sequence of events could deny them an immediate return to the Championship.
Their expectant fans had snapped up their ticket allocation at Reading weeks in advance, sensing promotion could be sealed here – but in the knowledge that their team had the security of three matches afterwards should they need them.
That alleviated some of the pressure on the Bluebirds, though Reading were not simply going to roll over, as they still had a chance of making the play-offs.
The Royals played their part in an even, open start to the game which produced chances at both ends and kept both goalkeepers busy.
Cardiff gradually cranked up the pressure and got their reward when Wintle’s cross was superbly headed in by Colwill to start the celebrations.
Kellyman’s equally impressive finish for the Bluebirds’ second maintained the feelgood factor in the away end, though an even bigger cheer came when news got through to the travelling fans that Exeter had fought back from 2-0 down to equalise against Stockport.
At that stage, Cardiff were going up – but Exeter were only level for seven minutes before Stockport regained their lead.
If that flattened the mood for the visitors, Reading’s goal did nothing to improve matters, as Kyerewaa reacted quickly to follow in from Wing’s free-kick.
But Ng made sure of victory with an excellent left-footed strike, and the celebrations showed that Cardiff knew promotion was at that stage essentially guaranteed.
News then reached the away end of Exeter goalkeeper Bycroft’s goal, prompting wild scenes among the Bluebirds supporters.
And once the final whistle blew, players and staff were able to stream on to the pitch, pop open the champagne and celebrate with their adoring fans.