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Town 1-2 Hull City
Saturday, 13th Apr 2013 17:07

Town’s run of five games unbeaten without conceding a goal came to an end as Premier League-bound Hull City left Portman Road with a 2-1 victory. The Tigers were on top in the first half and went ahead from the spot through Robbie Brady after Guirane N’Daw had fouled David Meyler. Town were the better team after the break, sub Anthony Wordsworth grabbing his first goal for the Blues but Robert Koren headed a late winner for the visitors.

Mick McCarthy made two changes from the side which started last Saturday’s 1-0 win at Derby with Michael Chopra replacing the unavailable David McGoldrick up front and N’Daw coming in for Andy Drury in central midfield.

Hull included ex-Blues loanee David Stockdale in goal, while another former Town loan man Liam Rosenior was on the bench, alongside keeper Eldin Jakupovic, who spent time on trial at Playford Road last summer.

The first chance of the game, which was watched by 21,988, Town’s biggest gate of the season, fell to the second-placed visitors when George Boyd, who almost joined the Blues from Peterborough early in the season, flicked on a corner from the left to Jack Hobbs, who shot over when he might well have done better.

Boyd, playing just off main Hull striker Jay Simpson, chipped high and wide in the seventh minute after getting behind the Town defence on the left with the Tigers starting the stronger and having the vast majority of the possession.

The Blues appeared to match the visitors’ three-man backline, with Richard Stearman and Tommy Smith either side of Luke Chambers, at least when attacking with Aaron Cresswell moving back into a more orthodox left-back role when Hull were in possession.

There was a scare for the Blues in the 19th minute when Ahmed Elmohamady, who had been Town’s main tormentor at the KC Stadium earlier in the season, crossed from the right and Richard Stearman chested the ball to Scott Loach, but too far to the keeper’s left, the ex-Watford man doing well to get down to save.

Town began to get more into the game and in the 24th minute Cresswell crossed from the left and Daryl Murphy nodded it down but Chopra scuffed his shot and Hobbs cleared.

On 28 the visitors were awarded a penalty when N’Daw made a needless challenge on Meyler on the right of the Blues’ area, stepping across the former Sunderland man and sending him to ground. Referee Oliver Langford pointed straight to the spot despite protests both from Town players and supporters.

Brady rolled the spotkick to Loach’s right to halt Town’s run of clean sheets at a record-equalling five.


Referee Langford quickly became the subject of most of the chants from the Sir Bobby Robson Stand and showing Chopra a yellow card for a run of the mill mistimed challenge midway inside the Town half — worse earlier fouls had gone unpunished - soon after hardly helped his cause.

Simpson might have made it 2-0 in the 32nd minute after an error by N’Daw but scraped his effort well wide from 12 yards. At the other end, Cresswell hit a freekick into the Hull wall, then saw his second strike deflect wide.

Loach made a superb save at point blank from Meyler’s header on 34, although with the linesman’s flag having already been raised.

Corry Evans joined Chopra in referee Langford’s book in the 38th minute for a wild lunge on Jay Tabb, which left the on-loan Reading man needing lengthy treatment. The ex-Manchester United man was probably fortunate merely to receive a caution.

The former Irish U21 international continued despite his knock and had a chance soon after but couldn’t get any direction on a header in the box. However, he was eventually forced to make way just before half-time, Wordsworth making his first appearance since suffering a back injury in February.

Brady threatened to make it 2-0 with a shot from the edge of the area which Loach did well to block down to his left as the half entered injury time, Boyd heading a subsequent effort through to the Blues keeper.

Just before the break, Hobbs headed over from a corner on the left, prior to referee Langford leaving the field on the receiving end of boos.

While the only goal might have come from the penalty when N’Daw had no need to make a challenge, the visitors had been on top for most of the first half and had had most of the chances. The Blues had got better as the half wore on but with Stockdale yet to be really tested.

After Evans had been lucky to escape a second yellow card after catching N’Daw with an arm, Town got back on terms with the first serious chance of the second half. Luke Chambers crossed from the right and sub Wordsworth headed home his first goal for the Blues at the far post getting ahead of the sleeping James Chester.

The Blues had started the second period well and the home crowd found their voice after the goal. On the hour mark Murphy headed Wordsworth’s freekick from the left over when he will feel he should have hit the target with the substitute having taken all the set pieces since coming on.

On 67 Brady hit Hull’s first shot of the second half across the face of goal but the winger, like the rest of his side, had been less impressive after the break with the Blues allowing them little time to settle on the ball.

Chopra and Murphy exchanged passes just outside the Hull box in the 72nd minute, the Irishman hitting a low shot past Stockdale’s right post.

The Blues continued to look the more threatening team and on 76 Chopra played in Murphy on the left of the area from where he hit a low shot that Stockdale save well down to his left, Abdoulaye Faye clearing the loose ball.

Two minutes later, Chopra was just unable to touch the ball past Stockdale as he chased it down the middle with the keeper advancing. Murphy and Edwards were similarly unable to make anything of subsequent chances with the on-loan Fulham man out of his goal. Moments later, Chopra made way for Frank Nouble to applause.

Hull regained the lead against the run of play in the 83rd minute when Wordsworth failed to clear a corner from the left, allowing Brady to send in a second cross, which an unmarked Robert Koren nodded past Loach from a few yards.

Jay Emmanuel-Thomas came on for Murphy for the final three minutes of normal time with the home crowd now more muted.

Town failed to put the Tigers under any significant pressure in the remaining scheduled minutes or in injury time and the referee’s final whistle signalled ecstatic celebrations in the away section with third-placed Watford losing at Peterborough.

The Blues can count themselves unfortunate to have lost the game after a second half in which they were the better side. Hull had been well on top for much of the first and a draw would probably have been a fairer reflection of the game overall.

The result sees the Blues drop to 17th in the table, four points from the relegation zone with four matches to play.

Town: Loach, Stearman, Chambers, Smith, Cresswell, Edwards, Hyam, N'Daw, Tabb (Wordsworth 45), Chopra (Nouble 79), Murphy (Emmanuel-Thomas 87). Unused: Lee-Barrett, Hewitt, Kisnorbo, Drury.

Hull City: Stockdale, Chester, Hobbs, Faye, Evans (Fathi 69), Quinn, Meyler, Elmohamady, Brady, Boyd (Fryatt 98), Simpson (Koren 74). Unused: Jakupovic, Rosenior, Cairney, Proschwitz. Referee: Oliver Langford (West Midlands). Att: 21,988 (Hull: 1,028).


Photo: Action Images



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foot_kick_ball_goal added 17:13 - Apr 13
Gutted, every other result except the Charlton game went our way today... would have been up to 10th if we had won this one. Still though, I think MM is right, 3 more points this season should keep us safe. Don't this we are going to lose the next 4 in a row.
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NoCanariesAllowed added 17:22 - Apr 13
Dear Football League,

Thanks for the ride but we would like to get off now. Please could you tell everybody to stay where they are so we can have a nice summer.

Yours desperately,

Ipswich fans


Don't know whether to love or hate this division sometimes. Even with our lack of goals, we've hardly put a foot wrong since the start of February and the annoying lot below us won't let us pull away. Not surprised by the defeat today but the reaction ahead of Tuesday is crucial.
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oscarwhiting added 17:24 - Apr 13
Shame about the result, let's re-group and come back strong for Tuesday. Happy for AW I reckon FN will score on Tuesday.
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algarvefan added 17:39 - Apr 13
This league is amazing this year but shows how poor most of the sides have been, I wish we were out the mire but we're not quite yet and with the anyone can beat anyone at any time scenario I think it will go down to the wire. I hope we are safe before the last game though as I don't think my ticker will stand it.....well I have been a Town supporter for 50 odd years there's only so much your heart can stand!!!!!!
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bluelad7 added 17:41 - Apr 13
bring on tuesday and the 3 points that will see us safe.....hopefully!!!!

some of the teams below us now need to give up, it's a lost cause.....please stop picking up points !!!!
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mattb97 added 17:52 - Apr 13
I think the pitch is grade two listed as the ball was always in the air absolutely boring. Sort it out Mick performances like that and next year the home attendance will be just above 10 thousand. I cant believe i wasted 30 quid to watch that dross, dire performance, dire result.
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bluelad7 added 17:57 - Apr 13
by the way mattb97 - you are on the wrong site, your team lost 3-1 at arsenal.....bye bye
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runningout added 18:19 - Apr 13
Under estimated Hull City and Koren again 'Nevermind'
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jas0999 added 18:40 - Apr 13
Disappointing result, particularly as our second half performance deserved a point. saying that, the first half today was woeful. Lots of poor performances. Second half was a lot better, and we dominated. Shame we gave away a soft goal.

Four games to go, and despite this defeat you have to give MM credit for what he has done. 4 points clear of the drop is good going. Still work to do though.
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Rizzolisblue added 18:49 - Apr 13
Shameful referee today cost us at least a point...! Come on MM, TC and the boys collect those remaining points onwards and upwards.....
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StowTractorBoy added 18:50 - Apr 13
Sorry but I don't think many results went our way save the Barnsley score but then I am looking down rather than up. This dogfight is by no means over despite Mick Mills thinking we have enough points - sorry Mick but in my opinion 53 will not be enough. There are some head on fixtures involving the bottom Clubs looming, where points will be picked up. As for today I thought we battled well and did well to come back but to then throw it away is gut wrenching. A draw would have been a fair result but I suppose we had the luck last week and today it went against us. Badly missed McGoldrick as we had no one to hold the ball up. Very worried again now as we do not do well against Holloway teams of late and Sheff Wed will be tough.
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BlueMachines added 18:51 - Apr 13
mattb97 - If you had any friends you could've found one to get you a ticket for only £10 instead of spending £30....
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suffolkpunchdrunk added 18:57 - Apr 13
Referee was very poor.

Evans was a disgrace and should have been sent off for his ugly challenges on Tabb & N'Daw.

Murphy put himself about but link up play with Chopra was non- existent. Chopra never looked like he would score.

Hyam getting better and better and a stand out player today.

N'daw and Wordsworth both made mistakes which led to Hull's two goals but those mistakes aside they both played well. Apart from the soft goals our defence looks good. I just wince when the ball goes back to Loach as he never looks sure of himself or know where the ball is going to end up when he kicks it

Hull look a very average side and will be ripped to shreds in the premier league.

We have got enough to see us safe but it's going to be close.
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TimmyH added 19:17 - Apr 13
Have to say first half performance by us was inept, we just sat back and let them play without having no purpose to do hardly anything attacking wise (hence no shots on target).

The second half performance was better and all in all through it I felt we deserved a point out of the game whether this was down to the half time break and Steve Bruce's team wanting to 'hold' their lead rather than extend it as results were going their way (hence them playing deeper from the re-start) or Mick laid into our boys and actually got them more attack minded - probably a bit of both.

Summary: Like to see us start games with a bit more purpose! when was the last time we played well in a first half? - also have to say there are a fair few players out on the pitch today that lack enough quality which will see us heading towards the Premiership although we are more of an organised outfit under McCarthy now.
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EssexTractor added 19:20 - Apr 13
Firstly absolute credit to MM and TC for making Tommy Smith and Luke Chambers into excellent Championship defenders, for lifting Aaron Cresswells confidence and acquiring Richard Stearman. Today a game almost of two halves, totally outplayed in a first half where we mustered nil chances followed by a glimpse of hope through our endeavour (rather than "pure" play) and Hull surprisingly taking their foot off the gas.
If we do avoid the drop and that should be achieved, if not because of our own abilities then by virtue of at least three others continuing frailties, then the management must show their determination to challenge for at least a play off situation next season by a massive clear out in midfield, where despite effort, our quality is woefully short of what is required to make that challenge and upfront where aside from David McGoldrick again we are frankly lacking in class and having a regular goal threat.
I have renewed my season ticket for the 21st consecutive season more out of hope (and habit!) than expectation and I believe MM is a very honest straightforward and likeable guy. I hope too that he can see where the deadwood is, that there can be no place for sentiment when rebuilding this summer a squad that will entertain and bring back the excitement, which has been far too long missing. So Mick can you find at least 6 new permanent players( and please not loaners) for the purpose not of avoiding relegation but for taking this once great club upwards and out of this "bonkers" Championship?
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TimmyH added 19:32 - Apr 13
@ EssexTractor - agree! from Midfield to Attack is well short of what's required to get us out of this league, even a bit disappointed with Luke Hyam and I'm an advocate of his.
In general poor quality in these departments - N'Daw ok at breaking play up but that's about it, Edwards - no where near as commanding as he was earlier in the season and had a quiet match, Tabb - fairly quiet before he got injured Hyam surprisingly ineffective first half although battled well with some better link up play second half. Chopra - tried hard today with little effect, seems to have lost the quality he used to have, Murphy - complete non entity first half but became more of a physical threat in the second again with not that much quality on the deck.
Please we need more reinforcements in these areas - a creative wide man please and a sharp passer/tackler in the middle and a goalscorer up front, if we are going to push for the play-offs next year.
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ericclacton added 19:43 - Apr 13
Five at the back O K, the rest were rubbish could well be in trouble again.
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bluelad7 added 19:50 - Apr 13
ericclacton - you must be related to that other muppet on this post. Just a reminder for you.....YOUR TEAM lost at Arsenal 3-1 okay.....night night!
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ericclacton added 19:56 - Apr 13
I'm just saying what I saw, thankyou.
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ericclacton added 20:00 - Apr 13
Take your blue glasses off lad and watch the game properly.
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runaround added 20:06 - Apr 13
A bit of a harsh defeat. First half hour Hull dominated without forcing Loach into many saves, the penalty was right infront of me & looked like Meyler tripped himself but ref decided otherwise. Second half it was our turn to dominate, Worsdworth scored a good equaliser & we were looking good but were denied by good keeping & defending especially Faye who was outstanding. There was an
inevitability that if Hull got 1 chance they'd nick it & so it proved. No need to panic yet but a win Tuesday is vital to keep the momentum on an upward curve
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Hegansheroes added 20:09 - Apr 13
Sorry to say I agree with Mattb97, I don't get to many matches these days as I live in Spain. Today showed how bad English football is in comparison to the continent. Two managers of the same ilk, the ball in the air all the time, God it seems so long since I saw an ITFC team that played the "beautiful game". MM has done wonders to get IT to the position it is in now but as a long term manager, no thanks. I think Hull if, they are promoted will be murdered. I now prefer to go to see Leiston, (who I trained with as a youngster) at least they entertain, may be thats not what its about but I really don't feel like sitting through another ninety minutes of pergutary. By the way I am not a fair weather supporter, just had enough.
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StochesStotasBlewe added 20:19 - Apr 13
Todays game goes to show how very average the quality is in the championship this season. Any decent side in a top 2 place would have taken us apart, so abject was our 1st half performance. Totally devoid of any nous to open up defences, no shots at all 1st half, means MM will have to be some kind of magician to get in the required quality to have any chance of a better than mid table finish next season. Sorry to sound so negative in view of what MM & TC have done so far, but wholesale changes in midfield/attack needed desperately. Just hope Evans will back them sensibly this summer.
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TimmyH added 20:25 - Apr 13
Have to say the pitch is not inducive for good passing football it looked quite rutty in places, even when Hull played the better stuff in the first half their passing wasn't exactly quick. We still lack quality saying that and can't blame the pitch.
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h32 added 21:10 - Apr 13
Pinewoodblueboy - agree with you.

This was a game that if we had anything about us at all - should have yielded 3 POINTS for us, and we could have now been totally safe.
Hull were nothing special at all, and were only decent in the first half due to the DIABOLICAL account of ourselves as the home side.
Second Half of course much better - BUT with just minutes left you DO NOT give someone a totally 'free header' like we did.
Disappointing result - and much still to do.
Condoning this performance achieves absolutely nothing.
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