THE damage was done in the first leg, as many thought and feared. But Derby so very almost did it. Hull gradually steadied themselves and Mo Diame narrowly failed to head home a teasing right-wing delivery. The players can be proud of their performance and the fans can be proud of the players.
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Looking at the final, you would say that Hull have the greater experience, having kept hold of a number of last season’s squad from the Premier League. Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini has warned his Manchester City stars to keep their eyes on the prize as they aim to secure a Champions League place at the expense of Manchester United, while champions Leicester will bring down the curtain on their astonishing season at Chelsea on Sunday.
A Hull win would take them back to the top flight at the first attempt, which Burnley managed by finishing top ahead of Middlesbrough, who took the second automatic promotion spot.
Derby made two changes, with Jeff Hendrick and Andi Weimann coming in for ex-Tigers winger Tom Ince and former Leeds midfielder Bradley Johnson.
Whatever he said, it worked a charm as Derby came out with a high intensity that was missing in the first leg. An early goal was crucial if they were serious about mustering a comeback and they got one on nine minutes.
Derby, fielding three up front in Weimann, Chris Martin and Russell, with full-backs Marcus Olsson and Cyrus Christie pushing on, went for it from the off. As it happens, one of those 4-0 wins came against Hull City. The answer was not encouraging for the home fans in the opening 10 minutes.
Hull were able to hang on with a first-leg goal from Abel Hernandez, a Jason Shackell own goal and Robertson’s effort.
The match ended with a disappointing 0-3 for Derby. They rarely troubled Hull’s stand-in keeper and it was the visitors who looked the much better and more risky outfit even before that late, late blow of the third goal.
Derby scored early on through Johnny Russell, before an own goal from Andrew Robertson set nerves racing amongst the home supporters.
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“This is a big test of our character, determination and resilience now”. On other occasions, he would carry the ball, displaying clever footwork and technique. “I can only compliment Derby on a magnificent effort”. The odds are stacked massively in Hull’s favour to qualify too, with 1/00 being offered on them to get the job done, while Derby are 25/1 outsiders to make the final.
