Joseph's double hands City early Xmas present

TIGERS IMPRESS TO GET THE BETTER OF ANOTHER CHAMPIONSHIP PROMOTION RIVAL AT THE DEN

- By BARRY COOPER

Hull City head coach Ivor Pandur makes a diving save

(JORDAN PETTITT/ PA WIRE)

Hull City gave their fans a pre-Christmas present in the capital with a 3-1 win at third-placed Millwall to retain their place inside the Championship’s top six, in what turned out to be a fiery encounter at The Den.

Millwall could have been two up inside two minutes, with Ivor Pandur denying the hosts, and it proved crucial because the Tigers scored two quickfire goals through Kyle Joseph, with both created by Mo Belloumi and Liam Millar, with the pair starting for the first time together in more than a year.

Femi Azeez was sent off for a rash challenge on Joseph with 15 minutes to go, and that sparked the home side into life with substitute Aidomo Emakhu finishing well to set up a nervy finale.

Any lingering hope of a dramatic comeback from the 10 men was ended when Lewie Coyle crossed for Oli McBurnie to grab his second goal in as many games with a clinical near-post header in front of 1,300 travelling supporters.