Hull and Millwall share stalemate in play-off clash

Goal
Hull and Millwall have played to a goalless draw in their Championship first-leg semi-final playoff. -EPA

Hull and Millwall have battled out a tense goalless draw in their Championship play-off semi-final first leg.

This year's EFL play-offs began at a packed MKM Stadium as the Tigers, considered outsiders with bookmakers to go up, hosted Alex Neil's third-placed side.

Hull have gone onto win promotion in their two previous appearances in the Championship play-offs but were unable to make home advantage count in an edgy 0-0 draw against a Millwall side that ended on top.

Mohamed Belloumi's exquisite skill and effort just off the near post inside two minutes was the closest either side came in a first half that was intense but largely incident free.

Millwall looked the most likely to snatch a winner after the break, with Camiel Neghli striking the foot of a post from distance and Femi Azeez forcing a fine save.

Ryan Leonard saw a late winner for the visitors ruled out for a foul in the build-up, setting things up nicely for Monday's second leg at the Den.

Middlesbrough, with Socceroos kingpin Riley McGree in their squad, host Southampton in the other first-leg semi-final on Saturday.