Hull City progressed to the third round of the Carabao Cup for the first time in six years following a penalty shootout victory over Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium. The contest concluded 1-1 after regular time, with the away side prevailing 5-0 in the shootout thanks to a match-winning save from Dillon Phillips.
The home team opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Sorba Thomas delivered a cross to the back post where Robert Bozenik outmuscled Paddy McNair to head past the goalkeeper. Hull, operating without a traditional centre-forward, drew level before halftime through Kieran Dowell, who met Liam Millar’s pass inside the area to dispatch a powerful first-time finish.
Phillips was preferred to the usual starter between the posts and produced a solid performance on his first appearance since Good Friday. The goalkeeper dealt comfortably with what was asked of him during the opening period, though he was unable to prevent Bozenik’s header after being beaten to the ball. He performed his duties admirably in the second half and made a crucial stop during the shootout to set up the winning finish for Mohamed Belloumi.
Matt Targett made his initial start following his summer arrival and completed a full 90 minutes for the first occasion since the play-off final during his previous spell with Middlesbrough. The left-back appeared at ease throughout the contest and will have been encouraged by his showing.
Lucas Herrington, the Australian teenager, was handed his first senior start after catching the eye during a substitute appearance at the weekend. The young defender conducted himself impressively, demonstrating composure on the ball and remaining calm when subjected to pressure. He was cautioned late in the contest but overall it represented another promising contribution from the teenager.
McNair endured a demanding opening period and squandered a presentable opportunity when he headed Liam Millar’s corner over the crossbar. The Northern Irish defender was second-best when Bozenik netted the opening goal but responded well by converting his spot-kick during the shootout.
Cody Drameh encountered difficulties in the first half against Thomas and was culpable for failing to prevent the delivery that resulted in Bozenik’s goal. However, he improved after the interval and supplied an excellent pass to pick out David Akintola outside the penalty area, though the forward passed up the opportunity.
Dowell engineered Hull’s first chance with a neat through ball to Akintola before testing the goalkeeper with a curling strike that forced a smart save. The midfielder then drew his side level with a rasping first-time finish following Millar’s assist and will have been satisfied with his contribution.
Lucas Gourna-Douath was another debutant and enjoyed an encouraging start, producing an excellent turn to escape danger and launch his team forward for their inaugural attack. The midfielder demonstrated considerable maturity and appears to possess significant potential for the future.
Abdus Omur made his first competitive appearance for the club since New Year’s Day 2025 and sought involvement throughout the opening period, particularly when moving into central areas. The player showed occasional quality but ultimately failed to make a telling impression.
Millar captained the side and posed a consistent threat from the left flank. The forward almost provided an assist for Akintola before seeing an effort drift wide, drawing reaction from home supporters who were subsequently silenced when his pass set up Dowell’s equaliser. He also created another opening for Akintola which went begging, though he kept his composure to score his penalty.
Jens Hjerto-Dahl came close to opening his account for the club with a curling attempt that lacked sufficient power to trouble the goalkeeper. The defender continued his encouraging start to life in English football with another positive display.
Akintola returned to the starting lineup for the first time since the away fixture in January and almost scored with his side’s initial meaningful attack when meeting Dowell’s through ball. The forward operated as the central striker but struggled to influence proceedings for large spells. He was denied by the goalkeeper after being released by Millar and then missed the target with a volley.
Hidemasa Morita replaced Hjerto-Dahl after 58 minutes and made an immediate impact with several composed touches, including a simple pass that bounced into Dowell’s path. The substitute demonstrated awareness and poise during a difficult spell for his team and fashioned a late opportunity for Drameh.
Belloumi entered the field in the 73rd minute and made an immediate impression, having an effort blocked by Akintola which forced a save from the goalkeeper. The substitute stepped up to score the decisive penalty.
Elliot Stroud came on for Targett in the 73rd minute and demonstrated energy with a driving run that won a free-kick in the closing stages. He kept his nerve to convert his spot-kick.
Regan Slater received a brief run-out after replacing Dowell in the 80th minute.
Tyrell Sellars-Fleming also entered the fray in the 80th minute and attempted to fashion an opening for himself but was dispossessed on the edge of the area. The substitute had another opportunity during added time but slipped as he struck the ball over the crossbar.