EFL match ends in chaos as goalkeeper scores in 96th minute to salvage draw

While Exeter's players mobbed their unlikely hero, Cardiff supporters erupted in jubilation as Stockport's failure to secure all three points confirmed the Bluebirds' promotion to the Championship.

The thrilling six-goal encounter kept the League One play-off hopefuls waiting for their own celebrations.

Stockport seized control early in the contest, with Malik Mothersille capitalising on defensive hesitation to convert Jack Diamond's ninth-minute cross from close range.

The visitors doubled their advantage twenty minutes later when Mothersille turned creator, finding Josh Stokes unmarked to slot home from ten yards.

Exeter refused to capitulate, however, with Reece Cole pulling one back on 35 minutes through a sweetly struck half-volley from outside the box, capping off a move he had initiated himself.

JACK BYCROFT... ARE YOU SERIOUS?! 🤯

The Exeter City goalkeeper scored a 96th-minute equaliser to rescue a point! pic.twitter.com/XikuyAiwuX

— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) April 18, 2026

County squandered numerous opportunities to put the match beyond reach, with wasteful finishing and Bycroft's sharp reflexes keeping the Grecians in contention.

The momentum shifted again on 70 minutes when Timur Tutierov, just eight minutes after entering the fray, volleyed home from Ilmari Niskanen's delivery to level proceedings.

Stockport regained their lead seven minutes later through substitute Odin Bailey, who reacted quickest after Louie Barry's effort cannoned back off the woodwork.

With the match seemingly slipping away, both teams traded chances before Bycroft produced the defining moment of an enthralling afternoon.

The goalkeeper's dramatic intervention in the dying seconds ensured the final act of this pulsating encounter belonged to the most unlikely of scorers.

Elsewhere, Cardiff secured their return to the Championship with a convincing 3-1 triumph over Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

Captain Rubin Colwill opened the scoring five minutes before half-time, directing a header into the far corner from Ryan Wintle's delivery.

Omari Kellyman extended the lead ten minutes after the restart, timing his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and finish coolly for his ninth goal of the season.

Daniel Kyerewaa briefly gave Reading hope, converting after Nathan Trott parried Lewis Wing's free-kick, but Perry Ng's stunning 20-yard strike four minutes from time sealed the victory.

Cardiff's travelling contingent of 2,935 supporters celebrated wildly as promotion was confirmed.