Reading have been promoted to the Premier League following their 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the Madjeski Stadium tonight.
The Championship leaders knew that a win would see them secure top-flight football for next season, but they were made to wait by their Midlands opponents.
Forest, whose Championship status was secured tonight due to results elsewhere, threatened to open the scoring early on through Lewis McGugan.
The highly-rated midfielder broke into the box to head Chris Gunter's cross goalwards, but Royals defender Kasper Gorkss was on hand to block his effort.
Brian McDermott's side then thought they had grabbed the crucial goal they needed when Jason Roberts headed in following a goalmouth scramble.
However the goal was ruled out after Noel Hunt was adjudged to have fouled Forest keeper Lee Camp in the build-up.
The visitors again came close to upsetting Reading's promotion party as Paul Anderson struck the bar and with the game seemingly heading for a draw, Mikele Leigertwood bundled in an 81st-minute opener.
The central midfielder converted from Ian Harte's cross to snatch the hosts the points and end Reading's four-year Premier League absence.
Joe Fish
