The Tigers delivered a resolute display in the home leg of the semi-final
Hull City’s Mohamed Belloumi (right) reacts to an early missed chance v Millwall (Image: Richard Sellers/PA Wire)
Hull City’s first Championship play-off semi-final in a decade ended with a 0-0 draw against Millwall at the MKM Stadium.
Mo Belloumi was inches away from opening the scoring in the opening two minutes, after slamming just wide following a sensational run off the left flank and into the penalty box, and while the Tigers had a couple of other near moments, both sides largely cancelled each other out in a cagey first period.
City had the better of the openings in a cagey encounter, though the Lions did hit the outside of Ivor Pandur’s post in the second period, and now both sides will do it again on Monday night in South London for a place in the final at Wembley.
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Here’s how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players in the first leg on Friday evening…
Ivor Pandur: Had very little to do of note in the first period. Made a fine save in the closing stages to beat away Femi Azeez’s goalbound effort. Did nothing wrong. 7.5/10
Ryan Giles: Had his fair share of defensive work to do early on against Azeez, and got himself forward well, carving out a couple of bright moments. Second half gave very little away against Azeez. 7.5/10
Charlie Hughes: Battled hard with Josh Coburn and gave absolutely everything for the cause. Didn’t always come off on top, but stuck at it. 7.5/10
John Egan: Showed his experience well in the first half against a very physical Millwall outfit. Like Hughes, had a fine battle with Josh Coburn. A real display of grit and determination. 8/10
Lewie Coyle: Stuck to his job well in the first half, tried to get himself forward when he could but was pinned back well. Fired just over at the start of the second half. A proper shift from the skipper. 8/10
Regan Slater: Plenty of energy and effort in the first period, but ended up covering too much space because of the midfield setup. Much better in the second and deserved his standing ovation. 7.5/10
Matt Crooks: Buzzed around well, made a fine tackle deep in his own half after City had played their way out, and back into trouble. Battled hard all night, and won his tackles in the second half. 7.5/10
Liam Millar: A couple of bright moments in the first period, just lacked that final bit of quality when it mattered. No shortage of effort, just not quite his night. 6/10
Joe Gelhardt: Had a wonderful chance when McBurnie played him through, but as he cut inside and was about to shoot, he lost his footing. Superb tracking back in the second half when City were caught out at the back. 6/10
Mo Belloumi: Sensational piece of skill inside two minutes, fashioned and opening that couldn’t quite be matched by the finish. Started to get frustrated in the second half. 6/10
Oli McBurnie: Battled hard in the first half, and couldn’t quite get on the end of a Giles cross. Didn’t have much to work with that aside. Angled a tough chance wide from Hirakawa’s cross. He’ll relish Monday night. 6/10
Subs:
Kyle Joseph (for Belloumi 69): Had a couple of moments where his eyes would have lit up but couldn’t make the most of them. 6/10
Yu Hirakawa (for Millar 69): Straight into the action after coming on, crossing for McBurnie to angle a header just wide. 6/10
Kieran Dowell (for Gelhardt 74): Couldn’t get on the ball as much as he’d have liked, especially after a fine cameo last weekend. 6/10
John Lundstram (for Slater 88): A good run out for the midfielder, and tried to fashion an opening in stoppage time. 6/10
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