Four relegation spots from League One became three on Saturday as Carlisle United were officially condemned back to the basement division.

The Cumbrians have been in the relegation zone since October and have propped up the third tier since February, with relegation a near-certainty for the last few months.

Paul Simpson's side were officially relegated on Saturday following their 2-0 defeat at Northampton Town, their 27th defeat of the season.

Reading beat Carlisle home and away this season, winning 5-1 in Berkshire before earning a memorable 3-1 victory at Brunton Park in March in front of 1,400 travelling supporters.

Carlisle were only promoted out of League Two last season courtesy of a play-off victory at Wembley over Stockport County.

Three relegation spaces remain up for grabs, and the Royals are edging closer to ensuring they won't be in one of them come April 27.

Fleetwood Town currently sit 23rd and are six points adrift, with 15 available, while Cheltenham Town and Burton Albion occupy the other two relegation spots.

Reading sit six points clear of the drop, but travel to Burton in a fortnight.

Cambridge United, Port Vale, Cheltenham and Fleetwood all have games in hand over Reading heading into the final three weeks of the 2023/24 campaign.