Reading return to top flight after four years

Reading capped a remarkable run of form by securing promotion back to the Premier League on Tuesday after a 1-0 victory at home to Nottingham Forest guaranteed a top-two finish in the Championship (second division). Reading, who have taken 46 points from a possible 51 over their last 17 games, return to the top-flight four seasons after losing their place in 2008. Fans flooded on to the pitch in celebration after a victory at the Madejski Stadium that moved Reading, beaten by Swansea in last season's play-off final, on to 88 points from 44 matches, three ahead of nearest pursuers Southampton, who won 3-1 at Peterborough. "I'm delighted and it's a great night for us. It was a tough game tonight," Reading manager Brian McDermott told BBC radio. "I couldn't see too much good in losing that play-off final at Wembley last year but perhaps this is meant to be. I'm not even bothered about the Premier League tonight, I'm just concerned about the players and staff. It's a night for the fans." Southampton are poised to join Reading in gaining automatic promotion. The club have a five-point advantage over West Ham United, who could only draw 1-1 at Bristol City on Tuesday, with two matches remaining. The top two go up automatically and the next four teams go through to the promotion play-offs. Mikele Leigertwood's late goal gave Reading victory over Forest. Results elsewhere meant former European champions Forest, in 19th place on 47 points, cannot be relegated.