Reading into playoffs at Cardiff's expense

Reading moved to within one victory of a return to the English Premier League after a 3-0 win away at Cardiff on Tuesday.

Victory spoilt the prospect of an all-Welsh clash in the Championship playoff final at Wembley on May 30, where Reading will now face Cardiff's arch-rivals Swansea in a match worth an estimated £90 million to the winners.

The playoff final means Swansea manager will be up against the club he represented as a player, youth-team coach and, briefly, manager.

After a goalless first leg in Reading on Friday, the Royals had the tie under control by half-time on Tuesday thanks to two goals from Shane Long.

Cardiff, without injured striker Craig Bellamy, saw Republic of Ireland forward Long put the visitors in front when he chipped in from 20 yards after home goalkeeper Stephen Bywater had smashed an attempted clearance against the Royals front man.

Long made it 2-0 on half-time from the penalty spot after Decal Keinan brought down Matt Mills before Jobi McAnuff's effort six minutes from the finish sealed Reading's victory.