Lincoln City vs Hull City. Sky Bet League One.
LNER Stadium.
Report and highlights from the Sky Bet League One clash between Lincoln and Hull City at Sincil Bank as Josh Magennis and Mallik Wilks send the Tigers back to the Championship
Saturday 24 April 2021 19:42, UK
Mallik Wilks kept his nerve from the penalty spot as Hull sealed automatic promotion with a 2-1 victory at play-off chasing Lincoln.
The Tigers were rewarded for a lively start when they took the lead after just four minutes.
A dangerous ball in from the right from Lewie Coyle was met by Josh Magennis, who beat Lewis Montsma to the ball to volley powerfully into the net.
Hull remained in control for the rest of the half and could have had a penalty when Montsma appeared to pull back Magennis.
The home side improved after the break and it was no real surprise when they levelled 20 minutes into the second half.
A corner from the left was met by Montsma, who volleyed home unmarked from just inside the six-yard box.
Lincoln looked the side more likely to go on and win it but it was the Tigers who restored their lead from the penalty spot with seven minutes left after Regan Poole had fouled substitute Tom Eaves.
Amid huge pressure, Wilks kept his cool from the spot, sending goalkeeper Alex Palmer the wrong way to send his side back to the Sky Bet Championship.
Hull's Grant McCann: "I'm over the moon for everybody at the football club, particularly for Assem and Ehab (Allam) for their backing of me in the summer. So I thank them for that.
"My staff and the players have been outstanding, it's been a real team effort. The players have taken hit upon hit and criticism upon criticism when they have lost games, and they've responded.
"It's been a tough season, particularly without having any fans in the ground and it's a shame they weren't there today to witness that. Hopefully sometime soon we can get together and have a proper party.
"For us today, we're just delighted to get over the line. I made a real point to the players at the hotel about concentrating on the performance. I knew, deep down, it was all about the win, and we've done it. I couldn't be more proud of everybody."
