Hull City Tigers reach the play-off final

Hull City finished the job at The Den, beating Millwall 2-0 in the second leg to win the tie 2-0 on aggregate and book a place in the championship play-off final.

Mohammed Belloumi opened the scoring midway through the second half and Joe Gelhardt added a second after coming off the bench to seal the victory.

Hull City AFC’s performance

The first leg was a major anticlimax finishing goalless, so the return leg was set for a winner to be decided at Millwall’s ground. Hull made the first breakthrough when Belloumi cut inside and curled a finish into the net.

That goal shifted momentum and Millwall’s plan as they were forced to chase the game. Just fifteen minutes later, Hull scored again with a swift counter that ended with Gelhardt striking low into the net, effectively ending Millwall’s hope.

The goals were the turning points in the game, each goal decisive not because of the quality but also the timings. Two different goals, but executed to perfection. The overall difference was Hull’s ability to land a killer blow whilst Millwall couldn’t find that cutting edge.

Tactical battle

Hull set up to be compact and aimed to be dangerous on the break. They ceded possession at times but organised in midfield to prevent any real danger for their defence.

Millwall tried to press and dominate territory, particularly in the first half, but struggled to make that control count by creating clear cut chances in front of Hull’s goal.

The introduction of the substitutions changed the game. Hull’s bench provided the spark, with Gelhardt’s immediate impact underlining the visitors’ game plan to use pace and power late in the game.

Bottom Line

Hull will now head to Wembley for the play-off final and are one match away from promotion to the Premier League after 16 years.

Their run this season to the play-off final has been notable as they finished sixth in the regular season and have become the first sixth-placed team in seven years to reach the final. A clear indication that form and momentum in May can outweigh league positions.

For Millwall, the season ends with near misses and questions about how to turn home advantage into the results that are needed in knockout scenarios.

Millwall will need to dust themselves off and begin to prepare for the same fight next season, getting to the play-off semi finals is a huge experience for a team that is hoping to reach the echelon of football in the Premier League.

Featured image via Hull Daily Mail