Kyle Joseph says that the first 15 minutes at Millwall felt like the end of the game, amidst a tumultuous start in South London.
The Hull City striker increased his season total to six with two goals in the first 13 minutes at The Den, his second and third in the last two games, after converting crosses from Mo Belloumi and Liam Millar.
Both goals occurred after Alex Neil’s team started the game in an exciting manner, forcing Ivor Pandur to make two fantastic saves to keep the scoreboard blank.
City were then pegged back with 10 minutes remaining, shortly after Femi Azeez was sent off for kicking out at Joseph, before Oli McBurnie scored from the bench for the second game in a row to seal a 3-1 victory.
“It’s a tremendous victory. Coming to Millwall, you knew how hostile the atmosphere will be. “It’s a fantastic win, three points, and we’re all buzzing,” an in-form Joseph told Hull Live.
“It was a wild, crazy start. It truly felt like it was the final minute of the game. They threw everyone forward; it felt strange.
“After the first five minutes, I believe we really settled in and grew into the game, scoring the second goal, and then controlling and dominating the game from there.
“We won our duels, we understood what it was like to come to Millwall away; you have to fight, you have to win your battles, and I believe we handled the ugly aspect of the game effectively. It was a fantastic triumph for us.”
With 14 minutes remaining, Joseph was embroiled in a major incident when he sprinted back to regain the ball from Azeez, who then battled with the City star before lashing out. Referee Gavin Ward showed the Lions’ man a straight red card before booking Alex Neil, who had disputed the decision.
The striker, on the other hand, believes Ward made an excellent call, before praising his team’s return from behind to finish the game two minutes later.
“I’ve returned, put a tackle on the lad, I know we’ve just tangled legs, and I fell on top of him, and we’ve both been hooked up with each other. I left it up to him to stand up first, but I believe he struck out at me as he stood up.
“He stamped me where no one wants to be stamped. I’m not one to fake an injury or remain down, but it was a painful one, and I believe the referee made the correct decision to send him off.
“The red card certainly galvanized them a little, and it’s always difficult playing against 10 men, and then when they score (it gets even more difficult), but I believe the players’ reaction when they scored was huge for us.
“You could see us cheering each other on, trying to lift each other up, and I believe that really helped us go on and score the third goal and secure it.
“Once you score the third goal, it kills all of their momentum again. The fans got them going, certainly gave them a little extra energy and spark, but I believe we took control of the game again.
“We played around them, and then we got into good areas, and it’s unbelievable from ‘Skip’ (Coyle’s cross), and then Oli (McBurnie) just does what Oli does best and finds the net.”
The post-match celebrations were remarkable, with the players and staff joined by around 1,400 away fans who had traveled from East Yorkshire.
“It’s a long way to come,” Joseph added. “We cherish them so much, and I believe, in the end, the memories and experiences we’ll have with each other. It’s such an incredible time for all of us, both players and supporters.”
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