Hull 2 – 1 Fulham – Report

Hull City started life in the Barclays Premier League in fantastic fashion thanks to a 2-1 win against Fulham at the KC Stadium in-front of a sell-out 24,525 sized crowd.

Goals from Geovanni on his competitive debut from Hull in the first half and from Caleb Folan ten minutes from time ensured that Hull`s season got up and running on the opening day.

However, it wasn`t all plain sailing for Phil Brown and his team who had to come from behind to take the three points. Seol opened the scoring for Fulham in the eighth minute, drifting away from Anthony Gardner to head home from six yards following Jimmy Bullard`s early right wing cross. Although that move gifted Fulham the advantage, Hull should have scored as early as the second minute, Mark Schwarzer acrobatically denying Geovanni before Ian Ashbee`s follow-up was kept out through a combination of the post of Pantisil.

With Fulham`s goal came confidence from the Londoners who quickly started to dominate. Bullard and Murphy dictated the play in the midfield, getting the better of Boateng and Ashbee whilst chances came and went in the City area. Simon Davies landed a volleyed effort on the top of Myhill`s goal whilst Gera sliced his effort at the far post.

With Fulham dictating, it was against the run of play when City equalised. Ricketts prodded forward to Geovanni who controlled the ball on his chest before turning. Fulham stood off the diminutive Brazilian and his curling left foot effort beat Schwarzer from twenty-five yards as Geovanni became Hull`s first ever goal scorer in the Premier League.

The second half saw City improve greatly. Brown`s side dictated the play, creating a number of chances as his side pressed Fulham into mistakes. Gevoanni missed a near open goal whilst Schwarzer denied Richard Garcia with a low save. However, it was Phil Brown`s substitutions that ultimately won the game.

The introductions of Craig Fagan and Caleb Folan combined to earn Hull the win. Paul Konchesky lost the ball in his own area thanks to the pressing of Craig Fagan and his cross left Caleb Folan with an open goal. The striker managed to side foot the ball past Aaron Hughes to given Hull the win they deserved and send home the majority of a near 25,000 crowd home happy.

Player Ratings

Bo Myhill – 7
The City keeper didn`t have too much to do and he knows he will have busier days this season.

Sam Ricketts – 6
A little nery but grew in stature as the game progressed. With Bernard Mendy waiting in the wings, Ricketts must ensure he stays on top of his game.

Andy Dawson – 6
Maybe the weak-link yesterday and Fulham`s goal came from his side. Dawson though put in a committed performance and did well to get forward whenever he could, giving his opposing defender plenty to think about.

Michael Turner – 8
Turner put in a solid display against Bobby Zomora and ensure the former West Ham striker did not have an influence on the game.

Anthony Gardner – 7
Lost Seol for Fulham`s opener but did well. His partnership with Michael Turner will continue to grow with every game.

Ian Ashbee – 7
The City skipper led the team out and then lifted his performance to Premiership standard. Ashbee and Boateng dictated the midfield in the second half.

George Boateng – 8
My man of the match, Boateng was impressive on his competitive debut for Hull City. Although carried off through injury in added on time, he should feature at Ewood Park next week against Blackburn Rovers.

Richard Garcia – 7
Maybe a surprise to see Garcia start but he did well and linked up with Ricketts.

Nick Barmby – 7
Barmby drifted in on occasions meaning the Fulham right-back could freely attack but his game, like the rest of the team, was lifted with Geovanni`s goal.

Geovanni Gomez – 8
The small Brazilian lifted everyone with his wonder strike and he could have scored three on the day. The fans will be looking for Geovanni to play like that for the rest of the season.

Marlon King – 7
King hadn`t had long to train with his new team-mates but he did well and held the ball up whilst players supported the on-loan Wigan forward.

Peter Halmosi – 6
Halmosi did well coming off the bench and added some pace to the left wing.

Craig Fagan – 7
Fagan worked hard when he came on and it was his persistence than unsettled Konchesky into making a mistake. He then kept a cool head to slide the ball to Caleb Folan.

Folan continued his “super-sub” status with the winning goal. He could hardly miss after great work from Craig Fagan.