Hull City moved a step closer to making an immediate return to the Premier League as they secured a 3-0 victory over Derby County in the first leg of their Championship play-off semi-final on Saturday.
Abel Hernandez gave the visitors the lead on the half-hour mark with a superb 25-yard strike at the iPro Stadium, taking his tally for the season to 22 goals.
A Jason Shackell own goal then made it 2-0 just before the interval, with Andy Robertson adding a third deep into second-half stoppage time after rounding off a stunning counter-attack with a fine finish.
Barnsley are also strong favourites to reach a Wembley spot after downing Walsall 3-0 in the first-leg of their League One semi-final.
The Yorkshire side, who only clinched a play-off place on the final day of the regular season, took the lead on the stroke of half-time at Oakwell Stadium courtesy of an own goal from Jason Demetriou.
Leading-scorer Sam Winnall then found the net twice in as many minutes early in the second-half as Paul Heckingbottom’s men took control of the tie.
AFC Wimbledon, meanwhile, will take a 1-0 lead into the second-leg of their League Two semi-final against Accrington Stanley.
Tom Beere’s 93rd-minute goal – his first for the club – proved the difference between the two sides in a nervy clash at Kingsmeadow.
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