Last-gasp goal sends Hull City back to premier league after dramatic play-off final win

Hull City secured promotion to the Premier League after edging Middlesbrough 1-0 in a dramatic Championship play-off final on Saturday, with a stoppage-time strike sealing their return to England’s top flight.

The tightly contested encounter appeared destined for extra time before Hull City snatched victory in the 94th minute through striker Oli McBurnie, who capitalised on a costly goalkeeping error to score the decisive goal.

The breakthrough came after Middlesbrough goalkeeper Sol Brynn failed to deal cleanly with a dangerous cross into the penalty area. Brynn punched the ball into a crowded zone, and McBurnie reacted quickest to prod home from close range, sparking wild celebrations among Hull City supporters.

The victory sees Hull City complete a remarkable promotion campaign after finishing sixth during the regular Championship season.

READ ALSO: English Premiership League: The contenders, pretenders and jokers

They become the first club since Blackpool to secure promotion to the Premier League after ending the campaign in sixth position.

Hull City will now join Coventry City and Ipswich Town in the Premier League next season as the trio prepare for life in the English top flight.

For Middlesbrough, the defeat marks another disappointing end to their promotion ambitions despite their unusual route to the final. Boro had initially been eliminated in the semi-finals but were later reinstated following Southampton’s controversial “Spygate” scandal, which altered the play-off outcome.

Despite being handed a second opportunity, Middlesbrough were unable to make it count, and they will remain in the Championship for another season.