Reading rivals earn first Championship return in 25 years with Bolton victory

Reading's local rivals Oxford United are going to be playing in a division higher than the Royals for the first time in a quarter of a century after the U's won the League One play-off final.

Des Buckingham's side cruised to a 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, with former Reading triallist John Murphy netting twice.

Oxford, who drew 1-1 with Reading in both Thames Valley Derby's this season, were last in the second tier back in 1998/99, finishing 23rd.

This was the last time the U's were in a division higher than Reading, who ended the 20th century 11th in the third tier.

While Sir John Madejski took Reading to new heights and reaching the Premier League in their new surroundings, Oxford fell into the National League in 2006.

This season was the first time the team's had met competitively since 2004, and this derby will be shelved for at least one campaign as the team's do battle in their respective divisions.

Swindon Town, the third team that makes up the historic 'Didcot Triangle' rivalry, finished 19th in League Two.