How Cardiff can secure promotion from League One this weekend

Cardiff are playing in the third tier this season for the first time since 2003 [Huw Evans Agency] Cardiff City's League One promotion bid may have stalled recently – but they are still closing in on an instant return to the Championship. And that rapid bounce back to the second tier could come this weekend, provided they collect more points at Reading than rivals Stockport County pick up at Exeter City. Having beating third-place Bolton Wanderers 2-0 last Saturday to strengthen their hold on the second automatic promotion spot, the Bluebirds might have sealed the deal as early as Wednesday this week.

But Tuesday's 1-1 draw at Huddersfield Town – a point rescued thanks to Yousef Salech's injury-time equaliser – and Stockport's 2-0 win at Wimbledon 24 hours later, means Brian Barry-Murphy's will have to wait until Saturday at least. However, win at Reading and Cardiff would be all but guaranteed to go up even if Stockport – who are fifth and 12 points behind with a game hand – also win, because the Hatters' goal difference is significantly inferior. Even a draw at Reading could be enough for Cardiff if other results go their way.

But if scores elsewhere are not favourable, Brian Barry-Murphy's side would still have three fixtures left to finish the job. It looks like a formality. Salech strikes late as Cardiff deny play-off hopefuls Huddersfield Cardiff beat Bolton to move closer to promotion Latest Cardiff City news, analysis and fan views As of Tuesday night, there is one team fewer able to catch Cardiff.

Bolton thrashed Stevenage - who are sixth - 5-1 to end the Boro's hopes of finishing above Cardiff. Theoretically, it keeps Bolton in the hunt for automatic promotion, but they would need to win their remaining three games and Cardiff to lose all four of theirs – and hope to overturn a deficit of 15 in goal difference. No wonder Trotters boss Steven Schumacher has already conceded it will be the play-offs for them.