EPL Promotions: Dean Windass Fires Hull into the Premier League

Dean Windass buried the only goal of the game on 38 minutes to ensure the Tigers will play in England's top tier for the first time in their 104-year history.

Saturday's encounter began at a frantic pace, and it was Bristol City who threatened early on with Dele Adebola and Lee Trundle leading the line well.

But Hull broke the deadlock as Fraizer Campbell wriggled his way to the by-line before dinking a tantalizing cross into the path of Windass, who dispatched into the corner with aplomb.

Gary Johnson's side rallied for a leveler, penning their opponents back into their own half, but Hull defended resolutely to hang on and send the sea of amber euphoric at their side's promotion.

The opening minutes were littered with mistakes as both sides set off at a frantic pace before Robins’ striker Adebola had the first sight of goal in the fifth minute.

A free-kick was not properly cleared.  After Marvin Elliott flicked the ball back into the area, Adebola out muscled Wayne Brown but failed to get a true connection on his shot and Boaz Myhill saved easily.

Adebola had made a threatening start and created another fine chance for Johnson's side in the 18th minute.

After finding space wide on the right, the burly frontman picked out a clever pass to feed the onrushing midfielder Nick Carle.

The Australian side-stepped the challenge of Michael Turner to break into the area but could only toe-poke the shot wide from 15 yards.

Brown's men then found their rhythm and went close when full-back Sam Ricketts played an incisive one-two with Windass and crossed for Richard Garcia to loft a header over Adriano Basso but onto the roof of the net.

Another good early cross from Ricketts was headed over by Windass as the Tigers began to turn the screw before the veteran had his moment of glory.

Nick Barmby led a break from the halfway line and timed his pass through to Campbell perfectly.

The on-loan Manchester United youngster skipped past the challenge of Liam Fontaine before showing great vision to stand the ball up to the edge of the area Windass to beautifully lash past Basso and into the corner.

The game was then held up for over six minutes after the Robins' right-back Bradley Orr suffered a suspected depressed fracture of the cheekbone.

Hull held on for the win that ensures Premier League Football at the KC Stadium next season.  Hull is bound to receive a staggering GBP 60m for the promotion.

THERE WE HAVE IT.  HULL FOLLOW WEST BROM AND STOKE INTO THE TOP FLIGHT CAN THEY LAST LONGER THAN DERBY?