WE ARE GOING UP!!!
The final whistle at Sincil Bank at 4:57PM on Saturday afternoon brought scenes of joy back to Hull City AFC, as a 2-1 victory secured promotion back to the Sky Bet Championship at the first time of asking.
Grant McCann named an unchanged side from the 2-2 draw vs Sunderland, whilst Lincoln boss Michael Appleton was able to call upon top scorer Jorge Grant from the start of the match for the first time in almost two months.
The Tigers set their stall out right from the kick-off, and after a couple of half-chances, who else but Josh Magennis to volley home from Lewie Coyle’s teasing cross. Just five minutes had elapsed at this point as the Northern Ireland international got his seventh goal in six matches as he powered his shot past Alex Palmer.
City then continued to go in search of a second goal, with Keane Lewis-Potter in the thick of the action. Three openings came his way in quick succession, but he saw a close range header go just wide, as well as a free-kick which was well blocked by the Lincoln wall.
It took 32 minutes for The Imps to test Matt Ingram, as a move created between Morgan Rogers and Brennan Johnson was met inside the box by Conor McGrandles who saw his low effort comfortably saved. Not long after, The Tigers saw a penalty shout on Josh Magennis waved away by referee Sam Purkiss.
Right on the stroke of half-time, a tremendous block from Lewie Coyle preserved the lead from a Brennan Johnson strike that seemed destined for the bottom left-hand corner before another effort from Anthony Scully was also wide of the mark.
Despite going into the break with a 1-0 lead, City would be without George Honeyman for the second half, after he was on the end of a strong collision at the end of the first half. This led to him being replaced by Reece Burke, which moved Alfie Jones into midfield and pushed Regan Slater into a more advanced role.
It was the home side who started strongly after the interval, with The Tigers penned in inside their own half for a 20 minute period. After a potential penalty shout from a Callum Elder challenge on Callum Morton, Lincoln equalised on 65 minutes.
A corner from the left side was met by centre-back Lewis Montsma, who was left unchallenged to side-foot the ball past Ingram.
The equaliser finally brought City back into life in the second period, as Mallik Wilks saw an effort well saved by Palmer just moments after.
However, The Imps’ momentum continued to grow in search of turning the game round, with Montsma again eyeing up glory, but his ambitious free-kick on 76 minutes was well saved by The Tigers keeper.
And then, with eight minutes of normal time remaining, another teasing cross from Coyle looked destined for the head of substitute Tom Eaves. That was, until a rush of blood from Regan Poole left Purkiss with no choice but to award a penalty. Step forward, Mallik Wilks.
‘Calmness Personified’ as Wilks sent Palmer the wrong way. Cue scenes of bedlam across the city of Hull as it looked to be the defining moment of a magnificent 13-game unbeaten run which has taken City to this position. But of course, this is Hull City, so there was time for more drama!
Another substitute, Gavin Whyte could’ve grabbed his share of the headlines, but his low driven effort was kept out by the feet of Palmer.
That came moments before a stroke of good fortune. An Ingram goal kick rebounded off Morton before eventually falling to Brennan Johnson, who’s shot thankfully hit the post and out of play.
After one final Lincoln corner, the referee would eventually blow for full-time. Again cue tremendous scenes from every single Hull City player who ran to celebrate with the 11 who finished the game, as well as the singing at the training ground on Saturday night!
Here’s to Sky Bet Championship football on August 6th! Up The Tigers!
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