Hull 2-1 Norwich

Wow, what a feeling! Given our recent poor form, winning just two in 10 games, this was a huge achievement and also a great win against a side who have picked up some form in the latter stages of the season. The fanbase were not optimistic heading into the match as it was out of our hands and we had to rely on other teams’ results. Wrexham had Middlesbrough at home, who were fighting for the second automatic spot, and Derby had Sheffield United away, who had nothing to play for. Fans in the stadium had eyes on phones, eagerly watching the action in the other fixtures. It was tense, thrilling and exhilarating.

This was the biggest game I have watched as a Hull fan, and so much pressure was on the players (and our hearts). But, oh boy did they handle it well. They did leave it a bit late, though, and had our stress levels through the roof. They scored first, followed by our equaliser moments later. At this point Derby were winning, meaning they slipped into sixth heading into the second half. But, we had help from our Yorkshire rivals, who turned it around at Pride Park, winning 1-2. This meant we needed Wrexham to lose, who were drawing 2-2. It was looking highly unlikely that Boro were going to score as Ipswich had secured the second spot already, meaning it was meaningless for them. Not to worry, as we went ahead with ten minutes to go, putting us in sixth. The Racecourse was five minutes ahead of us and finished before we did, so all we needed to do was cling on. With great difficulty, we did and the stadium erupted. All the stands were rocking as the players made a lap of honour, and a great buzz spread through the streets of Hull. Playoffs here we come.

And, the gaffer was not even on the sideline to watch it. He was in the stands, serving a one match ban. Nontheless, he made three changes from the defeat to Charlton last week. Hughes, Slater and Belloumi replaced Ajayi, Matazo and Lundstram. That meant, in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we lined up as follows: Pandur in goal; Coyle, Egan, Hughes and Giles as the back four; Slater and Crooks as defensive midfielders; Belloumi, Gelhardt and Millar as the attacking trio; with McBurnine leading the line.

It was a nervous start from The Tigers, who found it difficult to settle under the circumstances. Boro scored early on, which lifted the atmosphere in the stadium and helped the players push on. Norwich, who had nothing to play for, decided to turn up today and play for the win, which made it difficult for us. They were dangerous on the break, and we had to do some early defending. Indeed, they opened the scoring first in the 26th minute. Anis Ben Slimane cleverly chipped the ball into the box, and Toure’s right-footed strike from the centre of the box sent the ball into the back of the net. Derby were also winning, putting us in eight.

Fortunately, we responded well, earning a penalty a minute later after Gelhardt’s break into the box was stopped from a rash challenge from their player. McBurnie was the man in charge, and he was able to slot it into the middle of the goal to put us back in the race.

Cheers started to echo around the stadium as Boro pulled it back to 2-2 just before half-time. The Rams were still ahead, but all we needed to do was get another goal and we could forget about that game. But, we were not playing particularly well and it was looking unlikely that we were going to get another. We needed a miracle as we certainly were not scoring from the run of play. We did manage to keep it level at half-time. This second half was going to be the biggest half of their careers so far.

That bit of luck came our way in the second half. Yes, the football was not the best and not many chances were being created by either side. However, The Blades managed to turn it around against Derby, scoring goals in the 62nd and 69th minute putting them back in eighth. The cheers lifted the atmosphere and instilled some energy into the players, and this helped us score our second in the 67th-minute. McBurnie’s right-footed shot from the centre of the box trickled into the bottom-left corner of the goal, courtesy of Crooks’ headed assist following a set-piece situation. This meant we were sixth, and just needed Boro to keep Wrexham at bay.

It was squeaky bum time as we approached the 90th minute mark and with Wrexham’s match finishing before ours, all eyes were turned to the MKM Stadium as we had to hold on to our one goal cushion. Norwich did not go down without a fight, and were a threat on the attack. They forced a corner in the dying seconds. The ball was lifted into the air, and the hands of Pandur came out to clutch the ball. The referee blew his whistle once he kicked the ball and the roar was deafening.

So, after a rollercoaster of a season, we have finally done it. Ok, it is not automatic, but for the first time in a decade we have a genuine chance at playing top flight football. Standing in our way are two matches with the mighty Millwall. We are at home first next Friday night, and then the reverse fixture will be the following Monday night. Dare to dream?