Millers mauled by Tigers

Despite the boost of an early goal from Lee Frecklington, the Millers were cut apart by a rampant Tigers side who powered back to win 5-1, with four of the goals coming in the first half.

The 2,500 travelling supporters thought Neil Warnock’s men were about to work their magic again when Lee Frecklington fired into the top corner on 17 minutes but it proved to be a false dawn.

Needing a good result to ensure they finished above Derby and guarantee a home leg against the Rams in the second leg of the play-offs, Hull attacked with precision and found huge holes in a Millers back line which had been so reliable in the surge out of the Championship relegation zone.

Robert Snodgrass hooked in the equaliser on 25 minutes and top scorer Abel Hernandez’s overhead kick made it 2-1 a couple of minutes later.

Desperate defending and some smart work by Lee Camp kept the Tigers at bay for a spell but they cut loose again just before the break, with Jake Livermore clipping in from an acute angle and Mo Diame racing through to beat Camp.

Aftera  half-time talking to from Warnock, the Millers did have some respite in the second half until 59 minutes when Livermore despatched his second of the afternoon across Camp and into the bottom corner.

Tom Huddlestone and Sam Clucas went close to a sixth while sub Leon Best demanded a late save from the underworked Allan McGregor.

It was a sad way to end a remarkable end to the season under Warnock and whether it turns out to be his swansong will soon become clear.

Hull: McGregor, Odubajo, Davies, Huddlestone, Livermore, Diame (Maguire 72), Dawson, Robertson, Snodgrass (Clucas 77), Elmohamady, Hernandez (Maloney 80)

Millers: Camp, Kelly, Richardson, Broadfoot, Wood, Grant Ward, Smallwood, Derbyshire, Frecklington (Green 90), Clarke-Harris (Best 70)s, Danny Ward

Referee: S. Duncan

Attendance: 18,670 (2,442 visitors)