Pre-Season Report: Hull City 3 – 0 Liverpool

Hull City recorded an emphatic 3-0 pre-season victory over Premier League title contenders Liverpool on Saturday.

Against a strong team that featured Stewart Downing, Charlie Adam, Jordan Henderson and Andy Carroll, The Tigers looked superior for much of the game and ran out convincing winners against their more illustrious opponents.

Nigel Pearson fielded mostly different sides in each half, with only the impressive James Chester playing the full match. Chester was viewed as man of the match by many, although Irishman Paul McShane had a fine game as his defensive partner with a usual fully committed appearance.

Liverpool tried to control possession early on, with several of Kenny Daglish`s fringe players given the chance to shine. Peter Galusci, who has signed on loan from Liverpool, was tested in the first half to deny Alberto Aquialani; with the rebound fired over by Joe Cole. Apart from a one on one opportunity that N`Gog failed to take advantage of due to a fine saving challenge from Paul McShane, Liverpool never really threatened.

The Tigers took the lead through the impressive Robbie Brady. A swift passing move saw Koren switch the play to Brady. The Manchester United youngster cut in from the left past two defenders and fired right footed past debutant keeper Doni.

Soon after, The Tigers had a second after a fine fifteen pass move. The Tigers` retention of possession was impressive, and a flowing move that ended with McShane`s pass to Koren opened up a shooting opportunity. The Slovenian exchanged passes with McLean, with Koren firing in left footed from twenty-five yards.

Liverpool introduced several of their big names for the second half, and almost pulled a goal back immediately. Adriano Basso, introduced at half-time; tipped Downing`s effort around the far post to show he will challenge Gulasci for next season`s number one jersey.

Liverpool were using the height of Carroll to good effect, along with the delivery of Adam and Downing, but they were unable to find a way through Chester and McShane. In fact it was City who extended their lead, Dele Adebola knocking the ball down in the area for Jay Simpson to slot the ball under Brad Jones.

Liverpool were denied a consolation goal when Dirk Kuyt slid the ball in offside, but City deserved their clean sheet and were worth their 3-0 victory. Nigel Pearson has however called for calm, but was pleased that The Tigers 2011/12 preparations were going well with two pre-season fixtures remaining.