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Hull, who claimed the final play-off place on the final day of the regular season, in part thanks to Middlesbrough drawing with Wrexham, built their success on massively outperforming the metrics on both their expected goals for and against.

Jakirovic’s side have not sought to dominate matches but have excelled in taking their chances when they come – and they did so in difficult conditions at the national stadium.

Boro had almost two-thirds of the possession but did not force keeper Ivor Pandur into a single save.

It was Hull who came closest to breaking the deadlock before half-time when McBurnie’s header deflected on to the crossbar.

Middlesbrough continued to have more of the ball after the break, but Dael Fry’s header over from Matt Targett’s back-post corner was about as close as they came.

Hull had the first shot on target just after the hour mark, when Mo Belloumi cut in off the right and hit a shot that deflected harmlessly into Brynn’s arms.

There seemed little chance of late drama when eight minutes of stoppage time were signalled with both teams clearly drained by the heat.

However, McBurnie held the ball up for his side just over halfway and then got into the box – and when Brynn fumbled Hirakawa’s cross the striker was in the right place to convert.

There was still time for Boro to try and find an equaliser, but they almost conceded again when Matt Crooks had a shot blocked in the final seconds.