Hull City lost a crucial game Friday night to relegation battlers Brighton & Hove Albion. Two stunning goals were enough to give Brighton the 2-1 victory, but the Tigers were unlucky not to earn a draw.
Peter Taylor made two changes to the starting line-up, with Stuart Elliott coming in for Billy Paynter, and Jason Price replacing Mark Lynch. Ryan France moved to right back. Both players were moved to the bench.
City took the lead after only five minutes. Taken from the left, it was swung over towards Leon Cort, whose header back across goal was volleyed into the roof of the net by Stuart Elliott.
The first effort for Brighton also found the back of the net. Sebastien Carole was allowed too much space near the edge of the box. His cut inside and shot sailed over Myhill and into the top corner of the net.
City tried to reply instantly, but Barmby’s header from Fagan’s cross was well saved by Blaney.
Brighton were looking dangerous on the break, and had good chances to score when Kazim-Richards and Frutos were set up, however, neither took their chances.
On the stroke of half-time, Brighton took the lead. Too much space was allowed on the right. The ball came inside to Charlie Oatway, who had space and time to control, set himself and dispatch a shot that flew into the top corner of Myhill’s net, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
Peter Taylor made two changes at half-time, with Billy Paynter and Stuart Green replacing John Welsh and Nick Barmby respectively.
Although the Tigers dominated possession in the second half, an equalizing goal couldn’t be found. Damien Delaney saw a header cleared off the line and Price was denied by Blaney from close range.
The last substitution was made as Keith Andrews replaced Jason Price.
With just a few minutes to go and the Brighton defence hesitating, Andy Dawson raced into the box but saw his effort hit the bar and fly over.
Even with four minutes added time, the Tigers couldn’t get that crucial goal, and the Tigers left the Withdean disappointed and empty handed.
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Player Ratings
Boaz Myhill – 7
Wasn’t at fault for either goal, as he was beaten by two stunning strikes in the first half. Not too tested in the second. May have been slightly too far off his line for both goals though.
Ryan France – 6
Didn’t have the best of games but wasn’t given too much cover by Jason Price. Would prefer to see him back at right midfield, with Lynch brought back in to the right back position.
Andy Dawson – 6
First goal came down his side as he allowed his man too much time and was punished. Unlucky with a shot that hit the bar in the final few minutes.
Leon Cort – 7
Gave the opposition too much time and didn’t close down play enough. Did other defensive duties well.
Sam Collins – 7
Did his job well although also allowed the opposition too much time to play near the final third of the park. Improved in the second half when the Tigers had more posession.
Jason Price – 6
Recalled to the side after his match winning goal last time out. Tried well and had a shot well saved from close range, but will have wanted to perform better.
John Welsh – 6
Subbed at half time – perhaps tactical or taylo wasn’t happy. Struggled in the first half after some good performances of late.
Damien Delaney – 6
Not as effective as recent displays. Allowed players too much time in the final third, especially in the first half. Unlucky not to score with a corner in the first half when Hull were searching for a goal.
Stuart Elliott – 6
Recalled to the first team and scored after five minutes with an instinctive finish. Tried well but still isn’t back to the form he showed us all last season.
Craig Fagan – 7
Always ran after everything in order to create chances for the Tigers. Never gives up and is the kind of spirit the Tigers need to show to make sure they survive.
Nick Barmby – 6
Still not as effective as he can be. Some stray passes and would have prefered to see Paynter playing from the start of the game. Part of Taylor’s squad rotation system coming up to the busy festive period.
Stuart Green – 6
Brought on to make the side more attacking. Couldn’t find the telling pass or strike to get a point for the Tigers.
Billy Paynter – 6
Surprised he didn’t start the match as Fagan’s partner. Brought on to add a new dimension but Brighton were able to cope with him.
Not on long enough to give a score but battled well.
Manager Rating
6 – Wasn’t happy with the performance at half time as we allowed Brighton too much time and space with the ball. Tried to make changes at the start of the second half but will be frustrated not to have got anything from the game as the Tigers probably deserved to gain a point.
Opponent Rating
7 – Set his team out to get the lead (which they eventually did) and were clearly happy to let his side soak up pressure late on and play on the break, clearly determined to get all three points.
The Ratings
I must admit that i wasn’t at this match and have made up the ratings on information I have heard and read, thus some may be a little more harsh as some players might have deserved a higher rating. If they do, please post about it on the board.
The Fans
Apparently Brighton were very impressed with our numbers and noise, so well done to any Tigers that made the long journey down for a clod Friday night match. Wello done !!
