A moment of sheer relief in turgid season

RELEGATION FAR TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT

- By BARRY COOPER

Hull City's season came to a jubilant end on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Portsmouth, which was enough to keep the Tigers in the Championship.

Their point, coupled with Luton Town's 5-3 hammering at West Brom, ensured the Tigers, who started the day inside the bottom three, would survive and send the Hatters crashing down to League One.

Matt Crooks was the hero with the early goal which eased everybody's nerves and gave City a platform to get something from the game, though in truth, they should have closed it out long before the equaliser in the second half which ensured a nervy finale.

Here, City reporter Barry Cooper reflects on a day that ended brightly...

A moment of sheer relief

The ups and downs of the final day summed up the season. The early goal, the chances missed, conceding early in the second half and then lots of nothing thereafter almost encapsulated how things have been over the course of the last nine months.

When referee John Busby blew his whistle, there was just an outpouring of emotion from everybody connected with the club, because it's been stressful and anything but enjoyable.