Hull return to Premier League as Mohamed Diame stunner sinks Sheffield Wednesday in play-off final

A spectacular second-half goal from Mohamed Diame proved to be decisive as Hull City secured a place in next season’s Premier League after a 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship play-off final at Wembley.

With the scores locked at 0-0, and with less than 20 minutes to play, the Senegal international curled an unstoppable effort into the top corner, leaving Keiren Westwood with no chance. It was a certainly a goal worthy of winning any game, including this eye-watering £170m clash.

It was no more than Hull deserved after they largely dominated proceedings but lacked a clinical touch in front of goal - until Diame broke Sheffield Wednesday hearts.

In a frantic first-half Wednesday had Westwood to thank for keeping the scores level as the goalkeeper made a number of vital saves.

Abel Hernandez had Hull’s best opportunity of the first period but he couldn’t find a way past the opposition keeper when played through on goal on the half-hour mark.

And when he was finally beaten seven minutes later, the woodwork came to the Owl’s rescue as Diame struck the post inside the penalty area.

Hull’s frustrations continued after the restart as Dawson and Andrew Robertson squandered further chances.

But the pressure eventually paid off when Diame’s stunning strike on 72 minutes finally broke the deadlock.

In a lacklustre performance, Sheffield Wednesday had no response and Carlos Carvalhal’s side will have to pick themselves up for another season in the Championship. It is now 16 years and counting since the Owls last graced the top tier.

For Hull, they become the 20th team to make an immediate return to the Premier League after their relegation in the 2014/2015 season.

Steve Bruce also completes a personal triumph as he becomes the first manager to achieve four promotions from the second tier.

Good times back at Hull City? There has been unrest at the club for quite some time now and the fans voted with their feet on the biggest of occasions – just 26,000 showed up for this Wembley showdown. But Premier League football for next season has the power to reinvigorate the owners, players, manager and fans. With £170m now in the bank, thanks to promotion, the club is now amongst the top 30 richest clubs in the world.

The next target for Hull is remaining in the top tier but they have unfinished business after suffering relegation two years ago.

Mohamed Diame (Hull City) – His winning goal will be shown time and time again in Hull for years to come. It was a Premier League-class strike, worth a total of £170m.

Hull City: Jakupovic 6, Odubajo 8, Davies 7, Huddlestone 7, Hernandez 6, Snodgrass 6, Livermore 6, Diame 8, Dawson 8, Robertson 7, Elmohamady 6. Subs:, Meyler N/A, Clucas 6, Maguire N/A.

Sheffield Wednesday: Westwood 8, Hutchinson 7, Loovens 6, Hooper 7, Lees 7, Lee 6, Hunt 7, Wallace 7, Pudil 6, Bannan 6, Forestieri 7. Subs: Nuhiu 6, Helan 6, Joao, Lopez 6.

9’ - SAVE! From a tight angle, Forestieri opts to shoot and test Hull's stand-in goalkeeper but Jakupovic is alert and punches clear for a corner. Great effort.

26’ - CHANCE! Hernandez is left unmarked as the corner is delivered into the penalty area and his header is cleared off the line by Lee, the rebound falls to Dawson but it's bundled out of play.

30’ - FANTASTIC STOP! A through ball finds its way to Hernandez and he's through one-on-one with the goalkeeper... but Westwood makes himself big and blocks the shot. What an opportunity. Hernandez has his head in his hands, Bruce looks about to collapse on the side-line.

37’ - POST! Skill, strength and desire from Diame as he skips by three Wednesday defenders in the penalty area but then smashes the ball straight at the woodwork. Westwood was beaten.

42’ - SAVE! Westwood to the rescue once again as Elmohamady plays through Odubajo but the full-back takes a heavy touch and shows too much to Westwood who is able to make the stop.

51’ - CHANCE! Snodgrass delivers a corner, the ball falls invitingly to Dawson at the back post but his shot is blocked by Westwood. The Wednesday goalkeeper is having an absolute blinder!

57’ - OVER! Oh my, what a miss. Odubajo delivers a wonderful cross to Robertson inside the penalty area but he blazes over from just a few yards out with just the goalkeeper to beat. It's another glorious opportunity for Hull.

72’ - GOAALLLLLLLL! Hull City have the lead with less than 20 minutes to play with a goal worthy of winning any match! Diame curls the ball into the top corner from 25 yards, leaving Westwood with no chance.

90’+3 - PENALTY APPEAL! Wednesday players shout for a spot-kick as the ball appears to strike the hand of Dawson... the referee signals play on.

FULL-TIME! Hull City are promoted! Mo Diame's stunning goal on 72 proves decisive. Sheffield Wednesday hearts are broken but the better side have won on the day.

Hull have become the 20th team to gain promotion straight back to the Premier League having been relegated the year before.