McBurnie double sends Hull into Championship play-offs with dramatic 2-1 win over Norwich

Key facts

• Oli McBurnie scored twice for Hull City, including a penalty and a second-half winner.
• Mohamed Toure opened the scoring for Norwich City in the 26th minute.
• Hull City had not won in their previous six games before this match.
• The win secured Hull's place in the Championship play-offs, finishing sixth.
• Hull will face third-placed Millwall in a two-legged play-off semi-final.
• Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic served a one-match touchline ban after being sent off against Leicester.
• Jakirovic was fined £2,000 by the Football Association for misconduct.

Emotional climax at MKM Stadium as Hull snatch play-off berth

Oli McBurnie scored twice as Hull City came from behind to beat Norwich City 2-1 on an emotional afternoon at the MKM Stadium, booking their place in the Championship play-offs. The Tigers, who had not won in six matches, slipped to eighth before McBurnie's 18th goal of the season midway through the second half secured sixth spot. Hull owner Acun Ilicali struggled with his emotions after the final whistle, knowing his team will now face third-placed Millwall in a two-legged semi-final.

Norwich strike first but Hull respond instantly

Norwich City took control early, opening the scoring in the 26th minute when Mohamed Toure volleyed home Anis Ben Slimane's dinked pass into the middle. It was Toure's 10th goal for the Canaries. But Hull levelled just two minutes later from the penalty spot after Ruairi McConville fouled Joe Gelhardt. McBurnie slotted home the spot-kick in the 28th minute, just 12 seconds after the restart. Despite being second best for much of the first half, Hull threatened again when Matt Crooks' close-range header was saved by goalkeeper Vladan Kovacevic.

McBurnie's winner seals dramatic turnaround

The Tigers went even closer when Kovacevic made an excellent stop, diving to his left to push away McBurnie's right-foot shot from Ryan Giles' free-kick. But the decisive moment came when skipper Lewie Coyle swung in a free-kick and Crooks flicked it on for McBurnie to score and send the home fans wild. The drama was not over: Norwich's Paris Maghoma felt he should have had a penalty in the 95th minute, and Mathias Kvistgaarden had a shot deflected wide before home fans cheered as Ivor Pandur caught the resultant corner.

Jakirovic watches from stands after FA charge

Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic was forced to watch from the stands after serving a one-match touchline ban. The 49-year-old was sent off during his side's 2-2 draw at relegated Leicester City after the Foxes were awarded a penalty. He accepted a charge of misconduct from the Football Association and was also fined £2,000. The ban came in Hull's final match of the regular season, with the Tigers needing a win to reclaim the final play-off place.

Play-off history and road ahead for Hull

Hull City have won promotion via the play-offs twice previously, and owner Acun Ilicali can now look forward to another attempt. The Tigers will face third-placed Millwall in a two-legged semi-final, with the winner advancing to the final at Wembley for a chance to reach the Premier League. Hull's dramatic victory came as Derby County fell behind to Sheffield United and Middlesbrough held Wrexham, presenting the opportunity that McBurnie seized.

The bottom line

• Oli McBurnie's two goals, including a penalty and a second-half winner, secured Hull City's play-off place.
• Hull ended a six-game winless streak with a 2-1 comeback victory over Norwich City.
• Manager Sergej Jakirovic served a touchline ban and was fined £2,000 for misconduct.
• Hull will play Millwall in the Championship play-off semi-finals.
• The Tigers have won promotion via the play-offs twice in their history.