Grant McCann was delighted with the spirit and determination his side showed in fighting back from two goals down to stun Fleetwood.
Paddy Madden’s low finish and Wes Burns’ deflected effort looked to have put the Cod Army on course for the Papa John’s Trophy quarter-finals.
Mallik Wilks gave the Tigers a lifeline with 12 minutes remaining when he headed in George Honeyman’s corner.
It was from another Honeyman set-piece that Hull City equalised two minutes later, Keane Lewis-Potter scrambling home after Alfie Jones had hit the post.
Just when the tie appeared destined for penalties, a Honeyman corner broke for ex-Fleetwood man Lewie Coyle to thunder an unstoppable effort into the top corner to secure a thrilling 3-2 win.