Leigertwood gets Reading promoted

Mikele Leigertwood netted a late winner as Reading clinched promotion back to the Barclays Premier League.

The midfielder broke the deadlock in the 81st minute as the Royals eventually overcame a dogged Nottingham Forest side to spark wild celebrations at the Madejski Stadium.

The goal came minutes after news filtered through that nearest challengers West Ham had been held to a 1-1 draw by Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

Forest, though, came close to snatching a point and putting the champagne on ice, but substitute Marcus Tudgay’s header was cleared off the line by Alex Pearce, with the striker’s follow-up effort being kept out by Adam Federici in stoppage time.

It was Reading’s sixth successive win, eighth in a row at home and their 15th in the last 17 games – form which has seen them leapfrog long-time leaders Southampton at the summit.

Despite the defeat, only their second in eight games, Forest secured Championship football for another season with Coventry losing at home to Millwall.