THERE WAS DISAPPOINTMENT for the Irish contingent on display as Derby were beaten 3-0 by Hull in today’s Championship play-off semi-final first-leg.
Irish internationals Richard Keogh and Cyrus Christie both started, while Jeff Hendrick was on the bench, but they couldn’t prevent a comprehensive defeat for their side.
Provided they finish the job in the second leg, Steve Bruce’s side are expected to face Sheffield Wenesday, who beat Brighton 2-0 in last night’s other Championship play-off semi-final, for a coveted place in the Premier League.
Abel Hernandez opened the scoring with a 25-yard shot in the 30th minute and the Tigers doubled their lead 10 minutes later when Moses Odubajo’s effort deflected in off Derby’s Jason Shackell.
Andy Robertson added a third goal on the counter-attack deep into second-half stoppage-time.
“It’s a big play-off game against a good Derby team and you don’t expect to win 3-0,” Hull manager Steve Bruce told Sky Sports.
“I think it’s the best we’ve played in a long, long time. When you’re away from home, to start with you’ve got to be rock solid. I don’t think they’ve had a chance.
“It’s testament to the team and the way they’ve worked.”
The former Manchester United captain added: “We worked all week at playing on the counter-attack. Derby went a little bit direct which played into our hands and then we could break.”
Hull’s victory was especially sweet for Bruce’s team as it was only last month that they suffered a 4-0 thrashing at Derby’s iPro Stadium.
Derby were the only team to win a regular-season Championship match at Hull this term and they must do so again on Tuesday if they are to reach the final.
“We need to go and enjoy the game, we’ve got to be ready and focused for Tuesday and make sure we get the job done,” Bruce said.
The winners of the Championship play-off final at Wembley on May 28 will secure the third and final promotion place to the lucrative English Premier League, joining Burnley and Middlesbrough, who took the two automatic spots.
Additional reporting by Paul Fennessy
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Gave it his all, just an out and out dogged grafter, which is what’s you want from your backrowers. signed my son’s jersey and couldn’t have been more polite. An absolute gent. Thanks for everything Kevin
Great player. Big loss to Irish and Leinster Rugby. Hope he stays involved in the game in some capacity as he has a lot to offer. All the best
That’s a shame. Great player and contributor to Leinster rugby. All the best to him.
Top bloke, sad to see him go.
All the best for the future Kev. Thanks for the memories.
Always sad to read this. A great servant to Leinster. Best of luck in whatever you decide to do.
Best of luck Kev- those line out steals v Leicester in the 1/4 finals kind of summed up that win for us (for me)- great performance from a true professional.
At least he has a few Ireland caps as a reward for his efforts. A gentleman on the pitch and very nearly missed out on it all a few years back. Deserves luck in the “afterlife”.
sad news. was a good player .
Showed belief and commitment to come through the injuries that dogged him til he was 25 , deserved his caps and was excellent for Leinster on so many occasions . Sad to see him go out this way , he deserves more .
Seems like a lot of players retiring lately!! Always gave it his all!! Wish him well for the future!!
Great player and total grafter that allowed others to take the plaudits . I hope he gets a break with a coaching role if he wants to continue. I suspect he’s got a lot to offer Irish and Leinster rugby.
Has ” an absolute gent” replaced ” ledge” as the cliche used to describe these guys ? Lol
Are calling Ken a CocoNUT?
is,he brown and hairy?
Sad to see a player that good having to finish like this but he has a life after rugby too , your health is your wealth Kevin , the very best of luck to you in the future