Hull City continued their early-season cup run after a dramatic penalty shoot‑out saw them edge out Stoke City at the bet365 Stadium. The match, which ended 1‑1 after ninety minutes, was ultimately decided by a 5‑4 success on penalties, allowing the Tigers to progress to the third round of the Carabao Cup for the first time in six years. The opening goal came from Hull’s Slovak forward Robert Bozenik, who capitalised on a precise cross from Wales winger Sorba Thomas.
Thomas, who had recently been the subject of a rejected transfer bid from Hull, cut inside from the left flank, delivered a low, curling ball into the box and Bozenik rose above the defence to head the ball past Stoke goalkeeper Viktor Johansson. The strike gave the visitors an early lead and set the tone for a tightly contested encounter.
Stoke responded just before the break. Kieran Dowell, the young English midfielder, found space on the edge of the penalty area and slipped a shot past Hull keeper Dillon Phillips. The goal came on the stroke of half‑time, restoring parity and ensuring that both sides would have to search for a winner in the second half.
The second period was marked by a series of chances on both sides but no clear‑cut opportunities. Hull’s new signing David Akintola, making his first appearance for the club since January, was particularly active.
He forced two golden‑chance opportunities: first, he saw a cross from Matt Targett drift wide of the right‑hand post; second, after being set up by Liam Millar, he rounded Phillips and smashed the ball into the side‑netting, only for the rebound to be saved by the keeper. Later, Akintola’s follow‑up attempt was comfortably parried by Phillips, highlighting the fine margins that defined the match. Stoke’s defence, marshalled by former West Brom and Rangers defender Josh Griffiths, held firm for much of the game. Griffiths, who was given the nod in goal while Johansson rested, made several crucial saves, including a long‑range effort from Dowell just before the interval and a second‑half strike from Bozenik that found the post.
The goalkeeper’s composure under pressure was a key factor in keeping the score level. Both managers made extensive changes to their line‑ups. Hull’s Sergej Jakirović, fresh from a stunning 2‑0 victory over Manchester United, rotated eleven players, handing debuts to Lucas Herrington and Matt Targett, while also introducing midfield pair Jens Hjerto‑Dahl and Lucas Gourna‑Douath.
The Tigers’ approach was to use the cup as a platform for squad rotation and to give younger players valuable experience in a competitive environment. Stoke, meanwhile, had already altered their starting eleven after a poor start to the Championship season, with Mark Robins making seven changes, including starting Bozenik, Luke Graham, Ben Pearson, Tomas Rigo, Million Manhoef and Laurence Giani. The match’s intensity was amplified by the stakes: a win would keep Hull’s cup hopes alive, while a loss would see Stoke’s campaign end early.
After a goalless extra‑time, the tie proceeded to penalties. Stoke’s new signing George Hirst saw his spot‑kick saved by Phillips, giving Hull the advantage.
Hull’s five successful spot‑kicks, highlighted by a confident finish from Mohamed Belloumi, secured their passage to the next round. Post‑match, Hull captain Sergej Jakirović reflected on the victory, noting the importance of squad depth and the experience gained by younger players. He said, “We broke another record, now I have two penalty shoot‑outs in a row.
It was an opportunity for other players to play, and after Manchester United there was a lot of excitement, a lot of stress. I will use this competition to give other players a chance because you never know when we will need them.” He praised the performances of Lucas Herrington, Hidemasa Morita, Lucas Gourna‑Douath, Jens Hjerto‑Dahl, Abdulkadir Omur, David Akintola and Cody Drameh, emphasizing that the intensity and dynamism of the cup match are essential for their development.
Stoke midfielder Kieran Dowell expressed disappointment but remained optimistic, acknowledging that losing on penalties is never easy but not disgraceful. He highlighted the moments of quality from both sides and the need to learn from the performance. Hull’s manager also praised the team’s movement in the box, the quality of the crosses, and the overall confidence shown, despite conceding a goal that he described as “typical of us”. The win sets Hull up for a third‑round tie, where they will look to continue their impressive cup form and possibly challenge for a deeper run.
For Stoke, the defeat underscores the challenges they face in the Championship and the need to regroup quickly as they aim to improve their league standing after a disappointing start to the season. Overall, the encounter was a showcase of tactical flexibility, youthful exuberance, and the drama that only a penalty shoot‑out can deliver. Both clubs will take away valuable lessons, but it is Hull who will celebrate the night, having turned a hard‑fought draw into a memorable victory that keeps their cup aspirations alive.