The 14 match unbeaten run may be over. However, a 1-0 defeat against their play-off chasing opponents did nothing to dampen the mood of the Hull City players as they finally got their hands on the Sky Bet League One trophy.
Only two changes were made by Grant McCann, as Regan Slater came back in for Richie Smallwood, as well as Gavin Whyte replacing the injured George Honeyman.
The champions were also given a guard of honour from The Addicks’ players and staff before kick-off.
Despite Charlton needing a win to keep their slim play-off hopes alive, it was The Tigers who started the stronger as Greg Docherty played through Gavin Whyte in the third minute, however his shot towards the bottom corner was blocked. Former City keeper Ben Amos then denied the league’s Player of the Month Josh Magennis after the striker was left with a free run at goal.
After Charlton’s first real chance midway through the first half through Liam Miller, came two moments of concern for The Tigers. Firstly, a late tackle from Alex Gilbey on Callum Elder saw the Aussie’s season come to a premature end, as he was replaced by Josh Emmanuel on 33 minutes. Just moments later, Jacob Greaves landed awkwardly after he failed to connect with the resulting free-kick, however he was able to continue.
The home side then had more chances before the interval, with Conor Washington going close after some neat hold-up play, before Alex Gilbey flashed a low shot wide of Matt Ingram’s net
HT: Charlton Athletic 0-0 Hull City
The home side continued to push for the winner after the break, as Jayden Stockley saw his header go inches over the bar, before Millar saw his curling effort lack any form of accuracy to bend into the right hand corner
The Tigers’ only real chance of note in the second half came when Whyte saw another effort fail to hit the target.
The deadlock was finally broken on 74 minutes, as Ingram looked set to clear a cross from the left flank. The keeper did all he could, but unfortunately it would rebound into the net off Jacob Greaves, who now has two own goals for the season.
No other chances of note came, however another academy graduate in Harry Wood made his first team debut, replacing Regan Slater , making him the 1,101st player to make a senior appearance in Hull City’s history.
FT: Charlton Athletic 1-0 Hull City
Despite the disappointment of the initial result, the team were eventually able to get their hands on the trophy. A very proud moment for everyone connected with the club as Richie Smallwood held it aloft in the South London sunshine, cue the celebratory scenes as City head back to the second tier of English Football in some style.
P46 W27 D8 L11 – 89pts
SKY BET LEAGUE ONE CHAMPIONS 2020/2021 – HULL CITY!
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