Oli McBurnie scored a 94th-minute goal to send Hull City to the Premier League with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.
Much of the pre-match headlines had concerned Middlesbrough, whose place in the so-called £200million match was confirmed after Southampton were removed for admitting to spying on their opponents.
However, the Tigers ensured they would dominate the post-match coverage as they roared into the top flight following a dramatic end to an otherwise uneventful contest in London.
A cagey first half
Middlesbrough had only resumed training on Thursday following their reinstation, but they showed little sign of rustiness and began the game brightly.
Chances were few and far between in the opening 20 minutes. David Strelec nodded over for Middlesbrough before Lewie Coyle’s header forced a save from Sol Brynn at the other end.
Boro were dominating possession but failed to break down a well-drilled Hull defence. The Tigers occasionally showed some promise going forward and twice went close through Mohamed Belloumi’s curling effort and McBurnie’s header that clipped the top of the crossbar.
With the sun beating down in London, Strelec then dragged a shot wide of the post as a largely cagey first half was brought to a close.
McBurnie gives Tigers reason to roar
After the break, Middlesbrough captain Dael Fry failed to keep his header down from a corner, before Belloumi fired straight into the arms of Brynn.
With the game beginning to open up, Boro introduced highly-rated midfielder Hayden Hackney, whose availability for the semi-final is believed to have been behind Southampton’s spying mission.
But even the 23-year-old, who has garnered interest from teams in the top-flight despite not featuring since March, could not find a way to break down a stubborn Hull backline.
Both sides saw half-chances go begging as the contest entered the final 10 minutes. But just as it looked as thought the game was headed for extra time, Hull broke the deadlock in the 94th minute.
From Yu Hirakawa’s cross, Brynn went to catch the ball but could only cushion the ball into the path of McBurnie, who lashed home from six yards to send Tigers players and fans into Premier League pandemonium.
