Millwall v Hull City: Tigers looking forward to Lions' Den, says Matt Crooks
"It'll be noisy, it'll be fun."
Some would not be looking forward to spending 90 minutes, quite possibly more, being abused by South London's finest whilst trying to concentrate on a career-changing game of football. Matt Crooks is not alone at Hull City in relishing it.
Friday's Championship play-off semi-final first leg at home to Millwall was not a classic, but a 0-0 set up Monday's decider beautifully.
"It's a bit like last week, really, a one-game shoot-out," says Crooks. "It'll be fun."
Hull hosted Norwich City on the final day of the regular season needing to win and outdo Wrexham.
On 2024-25’s last day, Crooks' goal at Portsmouth kept Hull up on goal difference. Against Norwich, Oli McBurnie stepped up.
Others in the dressing room also relish big occasions and the hostile atmospheres The New Den, like the old one, has built its reputation on.
"One of the most intimidating stadiums you can play in – that's something which you get a buzz off," says team-mate Kyle Joseph.
"Us in the changing room, a few in the stands and then all the away fans against the whole of Millwall," is how Crooks sees it.
Millwall, it must be said, are wired similarly. These are not two of the Championship’s six most talented squads – although not far off – but add in their mental strength and they are two of the best.
"It's going to be noisy and they're going to be baying for you, but you've kind of already had that experience this season," reasons Crooks, who played in December's 3-1 win there, when Joseph scored two.
"It's a privileged position we're in and they might give us a bit of a stick, but it'll be fun, I think.
"We've got quality all over the pitch, so I'm confident our lads can produce a result there, I know the rest of the lads are.
"This is a position we want to put ourselves in. You're potentially one game away from Wembley and then one game from the Premier League.”
A squad with plenty of players who have found moments to come out of similar situations – not only with Hull – gives Crooks confidence.
"We had the Portsmouth game where there was a lot on the line, the Norwich game, we had a lot on the line," he says. "Nights like Friday and Monday... it's good, innit?!
"It's what the game's about, moments. It'd be lovely if I could create another one. But, obviously, anyone can do it. I'm not too selfish.”
Going the distance should be no cause for concern for Hull, even with Sergej Jakirovic talking on Sunday about having to assess “fatigue” in his midfielders and wingers.
"We've got loads of quality, loads of energy off the bench,” stresses Crooks. "We've used the squad well all season. Whoever's come in has always produced performances."
Millwall were the better side on Friday, but there was enough to encourage Hull in one of their best home atmospheres in years.
The beauty of both teams is outplaying them and beating them is not the same thing.
Camiel Neghli hit the woodwork for Millwall in the 70th minute, Ivor Pandur showed a strong hand to deny Femi Azeez, and Ryan Leonard had a goal disallowed when Tristan Crama threw Charlie Hughes over.
But Hull limited them to not much more, and created moments too.
Mo Belloumi hit a post from a tight angle after twinkle-toeing through after just two minutes.
Joe Gelhardt slipped when a goal which would have showcased Hull at their best on the night – Regan Slater winning the ball high, passes pinged to release him – was on.
McBurnie glanced substitute Yu Hirakawa’s first contribution wide.
Belloumi's none-too-taxing shot at Anthony Patterson was Hull's only one on target, but then Millwall had just two.
"You're waiting for those moments and it just didn't quite fall for us," shrugs Crooks. "Nine times out of 10 Mo probably scores. It was one of those that only Mo can do."
"It was a battle. Millwall have got a style of play that's really effective.
"You want to just be a bit calmer on the ball. I think we can be a bit more proactive and maybe play through the lines a little bit more.
"The lads were good in defence. I don't really feel like they created quite so many chances.
"We've got players that can do that (counter-attacking) tactic. We've got (Liam) Millar, we've got Mo, players that can bring others into play and attack quickly and directly.
"I feel we've got the players to maybe have more of the ball as well. I think we can mix up a little bit more, play on the floor a bit more.
"But I think we're comfortable to not have all the ball at all times."
Whether in 90 minutes, extra-time or an actual (penalty) shoot-out, Hull must seize their moment, by hook or by Crooks.