Millwall and Hull City played out a stalemate in the first leg of their play-off semi-final, in a contest dominated by defensive displays.
Neither side could really trouble either goalkeeper, playing out a 0-0 draw that favours Millwall, knowing that victory at The Den takes them to Wembley.
Hull only registered one shot on target during the match and will have to show a more aggressive display on May 11 to progress to the final.
The Hull City supporters were certainly up for the contest, having qualified on the final day with victory over Norwich City 2-1, and that energy transformed itself on the pitch early on.
The two sides played out a stalemate at the MKM Stadium
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Mohamed Belloumi used it to go weaving through the Millwall defence, dancing past several challenges, but hit the post in what would have been goal of the season.
Referee Gavin Ward was happy to let a lot of challenges go in the opening 10 minutes, which caught the attention of Hull boss Sergej Jakirovic, who could be seen having a lengthy chat with fourth official David Webb about the nature of the contest unfolding.
Ollie McBurnie nearly got on the end of a great cross by Ryan Giles, but his ball in ended up going right across the six-yard box.
Hull continued to pile on the pressure as Joe Gelherdt moved into a great position, trying to cut back on his left foot, but slipped in the crucial moment.
Ollie McBurnie nearly got on the end of a great cross by Ryan Giles
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Millwall started to build their way into the game as Femi Azzez had a swipe at goal but failed to make proper contact with the ball.
Josh Coburn came driving forward just past the half-hour mark after struggling to get involved in the contest, going for a shot from distance, which was deflected behind for a corner, which came to nothing.
Defences very much proved to be on top in the first half, with only one shot on target through the opening 45 minutes.
Early on in the second half, Zak Sturge drove forward but saw his shot blocked as Millwall started the second half positively.
The result means Hull City have to produce something special at The Den
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Hull’s skipper Lewis Coyle took on a half-decent effort from range but blazed it over the bar.
Quite noticeable, which was a credit to both defences, the shots being taken were all from a long way out and would require something special.
Liam Millar thought he was going to have a chance on goal, but timed his run horrendously to miss out on a great opportunity.
The best chance of the game came on minute 69, as Camiel Neghli came surging forward with the whole of Hull in front of him.
Both sides lacked quality going forward
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With no one closing him down, the Algerian wound one up on his left foot, but just hit the wrong side of the post.
Azzes was next, who cut inside on his left foot and went for goal from distance, but was well-saved by Ivor Pandur.
Millwall continued to pile on the pressure but just lacked quality in the final third, messing up a four-on-three, which should have been 1-0.
The away side thought they were in front after Ryan Leonard scored from close range, but the referee had already blown up for a free kick against Tristan Crama, dragging down Charlie Hughes.
