Sergej Jakirovic masterminded a stunning away win in the capital
Players of Hull City celebrate Joe Gelhardt of Hull City goal during the Sky Bet Championship Play Off Semi Final Second Leg match between Millwall and Hull City(Image: Photo by Pedro Porru/MB Media/Getty Images)
Hull City delivered a sensational away performance to win 2-0 at Millwall and seal a place in the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium later this month.
A stunning second half display and goals from Mo Belloumi and Joe Gelhardt sealed a deserved victory at The Den, with City dominant against Alex Neil’s men.
Just as they couldn’t in the first leg, neither could find a way through in an absorbing first period with both goalkeepers making important saves to keep things on terms.
City were the dominant force in the second period, and deservedly got themselves in front when Mo Belloumi stepped off the bench to curl in a delicious strike. It was 2-0, eleven minutes from time, when Belloumi turned provider to cross for Joe Gelhardt to slam in the second. Sergej Jakirovic’s changes had worked to devastating effect. Off the bench, Gelhardt thumped in the second to put the seal on a victory for the ages.
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Here’s how City reporter Barry Cooper rated the players in the semi-final second leg in South East London on a night they’ll never forget….
Ivor Pandur: Made an important early save to deny Femi Azeez, and aside from one nervy moment in the first half, did his job well. Never looked in any danger in the second half. 9/10
Ryan Giles: Not the easiest first half up against Femi Azeez, who looked a threat. At the other end, he delivered a couple of delicious balls in for McBurnie. Superb in the second half. 9/10
Charlie Hughes: A solid first period in the back three. Crucial block at the back post to deny Azeez. Picked up a booking early in the second half after a tangle with Josh Coburn. Colossal. 9/10
John Egan: Headed over from a corner inside three minutes and then was booked all inside a lively 10 minutes for the Irishman. Never put a foot wrong after that. 9/10
Semi Ajayi: A return to the starting XI and slotted in with little fuss. Dominated Coburn all night, and was a man mountain. Bossed it. 9/10
Lewie Coyle: A solid first half, going back towards his own goal, and delivered a delicious ball into the box that deserved more. A skipper’s display on the biggest of nights. 9/10
Regan Slater: Superb across the middle of the park in the first period. His run down the line past three before being fouled summed it up. Almost carved out the opener for McBurnie at the start of the second period. 9/10
Matt Crooks: Started brilliantly, and was inches away from prodding City in front. Controlled things so well. Had a hand in the two goals and could have added a third. Surely his best display in a City shirt. What a performance. 9/10
Liam Millar: The Canadian’s night started with a throw that fell out of his hands. Always an outlet down the left side, and was involved in the opening goal. A real shift from the winger. 9/10
Kyle Joseph: Back in the side and was absolutely key to a really promising first-half performance from the away side, but after a heavy challenge from Zak Sturge, he had to be helped from the field with an ankle injury. You hope it’s not the same issue he suffered so badly with last season. 7/10
Oli McBurnie: Seemed to take a knock early on, but kept at it. Forced a fine save from Anthony Patterson with a powerful header from Giles’ fine ball in. So close to scoring at the start of the second period. Grafted like the warrior he is. 9/10
Subs:
Mo Belloumi (for Joseph 45): Showed some real quality at times and had the moment of magic to open the door, with a wonderful strike. Fantastic piece of skill to keep the ball alive and set up the second. Unplayable. Changed the game. 10/10
Joe Gelhardt (for Millar 77): What an impact. Moments after coming on, Slammed in the second from Belloumi’s perfectly delivered cross. Killed the game. 8/10
John Lundstram (for Slater 84): Won his tackles after coming on, doing what his side needed him to. Superb. 6/10
Paddy McNair (for Lundstram 84): Such a calm figure when he came on. Millwall had gone by that point. 7/10
Lewis Koumas (for McBurnie 84): Ran the Lions ragged in the final stages. Was exactly the change that City needed. 7/10
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