We got nervous but showed resilience in the end, says relieved Hull City boss Steve Bruce

Derby County emulated their 2-0 victory in East Yorkshire in the league on November 27 in a one-sided semi-final second leg, but the damage had been done in a first leg which saw Hull score three unanswered goals and the Tigers progressed to their second Championship play-off final in eight years.

GALLERY - Relive Hull City’s nervy night at the KC against Derby County

It was a fraught night for the hosts, with first-half strikes from Johnny Russell and Andrew Robertson’s own goal putting the Rams within one goal of wiping out memories of a catastrophic first leg on Saturday, which saw them lose 3-0.

But despite pushing strongly for a third goal on the restart, they could not force extra time, with Hull edging home – the final whistle was a prelude to a pitch invasion from relieved home fans.

Bruce said: “We have witnessed two games which have summed up the Championship play-offs. For how good we were on Saturday, we were as bad (last night) – and the other way around for Derby.

“You have to say well done to Derby. They have responded from the stinging criticism they have had from all quarters and caused us probably more problems for half an hour in particular than I can remember for a long, long time. We couldn’t get near them.”

“They were very, very good on the day and got the start they wanted and, of course, we got nervous and once the own goal went in, it became one of those really difficult nights.

“But in the second half, we showed a bit of resilience to withstand it. But I can only compliment Derby on a magnificent effort. We have been through the wringer. I had a feeling in my guts, although I didn’t think it would be that difficult.

“It was one of those where we hung on and got there in the end.”

Despite a 2-0 loss in Bruce’s 200th match in charge of Hull, the Tigers are now looking forward to a third Wembley appearance in his near four-year tenure, with the north-easterner admitting that the achievement is a noteworthy one.

He added: “For a club like ours, it is a magnificent achievement.

“We have big clubs around us, Derby for one who have a big support and have bought well with good players. So in that respect, we are really, really pleased.”