Tigers promoted despite stalemate

Hull City celebrated promotion to the Championship not with a bang but with a series of bizarre anticlimaxes. They began the afternoon needing three points from four games to secure the guaranteed second-place promotion spot behind Luton Town. They finished it having somehow failed to score from any of a dozen chances against Swindon, but still got promoted because nearest rivals Tranmere Rovers likewise failed to score against Blackpool. All of this on top of Hull missing a penalty in the last minute of added time. It was too daft for words.

City ran out in bright sunshine to roars of delight from another generous crowd - more than 23,000. All eyes were on their prolific striker Stuart Elliott, scorer of 28 league and cup goals. And before too long Elliott and City's other wing man, Ryan France, were slinging centres across Rhys Evans's goal for Junior Lewis and Craig Fagan to attack.

Chances were thick on the ground and in the air. One of the best came as early as the 12th minute, when Lewis struck the ball wide with only Evans to beat. It was almost as if he seemed surprised at the opportunity. Next, France was too casual with a shot on the turn from an Elliott centre. Then Elliott himself went frustratingly close with a header that beat Evans but missed by a whisker. Evans then tipped a Fagan shot over the bar and dived to smother a free-kick from Nick Barmby. In between skipper Ian Ashbee wasted a fine chance and full-back Andy Dawson hit the side netting.

So you're getting the picture. Hull seemed to lack a cutting edge. It was almost as if they needed someone to tell them: 'It's OK to go out there and win 4-0.' But still the fans sang happily. They were confident that goals would come eventually. No such luck. A lob from Lewis almost caught out Evans, who then performed heroics to deny Kevin Ellison three times.

At last Swindon came to life. Sean O'Hanlon headed wide from close range and Rory Fallon put a header just over the bar. So, far from throwing party streamers, Hull began to face the prospect of defeat. The fans were having none of this and demanded a grand finale.

We then had a Bowyer/Dyer moment from Swindon. Evans came charging out of goal to berate David Duke. Handbags were exchanged before Swindon players hastily parted them. Duke wanted more, but Evans was too busy fouling Leon Cort. This brought a Hull penalty. At last, we thought, a goal. A goal of debatable origin but hey, a goal. Fagan took the kick and Evans, diving to his right, saved it.

Then came the final whistle and the announcement that Tranmere's draw had given the Tigers back-to-back promotions. It's a remarkable achievement. Four years ago they were bankrupt and refused access to their old ground, Boothferry Park, for non-payment of rent. No money, no direction and facing extinction. Then Lady Luck smiled on them.

First Adam Pearson arrived and stabilised the finances. Then the city council leased them a magnificent parkland stadium which they share with rugby colleagues Hull. Peter Taylor was recruited as manager and the ship's crew began to row in the same direction. Key signings such as Barmby, Lewis and Cort have given the side quality, but is there enough to make a Championship team?

Swindon were so patchy it was difficult to assess Hull's true strengths and weaknesses. But they don't lack ambition and it's not as if the middle and lower reaches of the Championship are dripping with talent.

'I think we can handle the Championship,' said manager Taylor. 'It's a great opportunity, very exciting. We're now where we belong. You never know, we might have a very good season.'

And does his future still lie by the Humber? 'I'm not a fool. I'm working with a brilliant chairman at a big club with great fans. I'm not going anywhere.'