The Championship play-off match between Hull City and Millwall is underway, with both teams vying for a place in the final. The atmosphere at MKM Stadium is described as ‘fizzing’ as the teams emerged onto the pitch amidst fireworks. Hull City also marked the occasion with a rendition of a William Blake poem before the players came out.
Early Exchanges and Near Misses
The match started with an electric pace, and then settled down slightly. Millwall secured an early corner, but Hull City cleared the danger, anticipating more balls into the box. Mohamed Belloumi went on a mazy run into the Millwall area before shaving the outside of the post from a narrow angle.
Ryan Giles sent in an inviting cross for Hull City, but Oli McBurnie couldn’t stretch enough to make a vital touch. Mohamed Belloumi retrieved the loose ball but shot straight at Anthony Patterson.
Millwall’s First Attempts
Millwall had their first shot of the match, though it was not much of a threat. Thierno Ballo pulled his effort well wide of the target. Femi Azeez followed with another shot moments later, which also did not trouble Ivor Pandur in the home goal.
Physicality and Off-the-Ball Incidents
Referee Gavin Ward is trying to keep the game flowing, but there is a fair bit of physicality on display. Ward sent off Milwall’s Femi Azeez in the game at The Den back in December for an off-the-ball incident.
Play-off Pedigree
- Milwall have reached the final in each of their past four play-off appearances, albeit they were all in League One.
- The two previous occasions Hull City reached the Championship play-offs they were promoted.
- Both these clubs have pedigree in these tense occasions.
The two teams produced eight goals between them in their meetings in the regular season, suggesting the goalkeepers could be busy over the two play-off games.
Craig Fagan noted the electric start to the match, saying it just needs to settle down a bit.