Hull City reached the Carabao Cup third round for the first time since 2019 after converting all five penalties in their shoot-out victory at Stoke City.
The match ended 1-1, with goalkeeper Dillon Phillips denying George Hirst before Mon Belloumi dispatched the decisive spot-kick.
A heavily-rotated Hull side fell behind in the 39th minute when transfer target Sorba Thomas delivered a searching cross to the back post, where Robert Bozenik outmuscled Paddy McNair to nod in.
Playing without an out-and-out striker, the Tigers drew level before half-time when Liam Millar picked out Kieran Dowell on the edge of the area, and the midfielder thundered in a superb strike.
Tigers reporter Barry Cooper’s player ratings from the bet365 Stadium:
Dillon Phillips: Given his first start since Good Friday, the goalkeeper was comfortable in possession but had little work to do in the opening period, aside from parrying a dangerous inswinging delivery from Thomas on the left flank. He was left exposed when Bozenik outjumped McNair to head past him. Quieter after the break, he made a crucial stop in the shoot-out. 7/10
Matt Targett: The left-back was handed his first start following his summer arrival and looked assured during the opening period. A promising performance from the full-back, marking his first full 90 minutes since the play-off final during his time with Middlesbrough. 7/10
Lucas Herrington: After an eye-catching substitute appearance on Saturday, the Australian teenager was thrown in from the start and demonstrated impressive composure. Comfortable on the ball and unflustered under pressure, he picked up a late yellow card. Another encouraging debut from the young player. 8/10
Paddy McNair: The seasoned defender was kept busy early on and almost scored when stretching to meet Millar’s corner, but headed over the bar. He was barged aside by Bozenik for Stoke’s opener. Kept his nerve to convert in the shoot-out. 7/10
Cody Drameh: Found things difficult against Thomas in the first half and arguably should have prevented the cross that set up Bozenik’s goal. He produced an excellent ball in the second period to find Akintola unmarked outside the box, though the winger could not finish. 7/10
Kieran Dowell: Threaded the first opening through to David Akintola with a clever pass, drilled a shot that required a smart stop, and then drew the Tigers level with a fierce first-time finish after latching onto Millar’s pass. A strong showing that will have pleased him. 7.5/10
Lucas Gourna-Douath: Another of City’s debutants, he made an excellent start by turning away from danger outside his own area to launch the Tigers’ first attack. Produced a mature display in central midfield. For a first competitive outing, he showed great promise. 8/10
Abdus Omur: Making his first competitive Tigers appearance since January 2025, he sought to get involved frequently in the opening half, operating more centrally. He pulled a long-range effort well off target. Showed glimpses of quality but may not have done enough to give the manager selection food for thought ahead of the weekend. 6/10
Liam Millar: Captain for the evening, he looked dangerous from the left flank. His cross nearly connected with Akintola’s head in front of goal, he dragged a shot wide prompting laughter from home supporters, who fell silent moments later when his pass allowed Dowell to fire in the equaliser. He threaded another fine ball through to Akintola, who squandered the chance. He kept his composure to score his penalty. 7/10
Jens Hjerto-Dahl: His first competitive start for the Tigers nearly resulted in an early goal when his curling effort lacked the pace to beat the goalkeeper. Another positive performance as he continues to adapt to English football. 6/10
David Akintola: Restored to the starting line-up for the first time since the January game at Deepdale and registered the match’s first on-target attempt when latching onto Dowell’s through ball down the right channel. He appeared adrift for large portions of the half while operating as the central striker. He was released one-on-one by Millar but could only fire into the side-netting, before blazing Drameh’s delivery over the bar. 6/10
Substitutes:
Hidemasa Morita (replaced Hjerto-Dahl, 58th minute): Produced a couple of neat early touches, including a simple pass that he bounced into Dowell before the midfielder was fouled. Demonstrated excellent awareness and composure when his side came under pressure. Created a late opportunity for Drameh. 7/10
Mo Belloumi (replaced Omur, 73rd minute): Straight into the action and saw his initial involvement intercepted by Akintola, who forced a save from the goalkeeper. He made no mistake with the winning penalty. 7/10
Elliot Stroud (replaced Targett, 73rd minute): Apart from a driving run forward that won a late free-kick, from which the Tigers carved out one final opportunity, there was little to report. He converted his penalty confidently. 7/10
Regan Slater (replaced Dowell, 80th minute): Given a 10-minute run-out for the midfielder, who impressed so much during Saturday’s victory over Manchester United. 6/10
Tyrell Sellars-Fleming (replaced Akintola, 80th minute): Attempted to fashion an opening for himself but was dispossessed on the edge of the Stoke penalty area. He had one opportunity in stoppage time but slipped as he fired over the bar. 6/10