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Hull City 2-2 Ipswich Town - Match Report
Saturday, 18th Nov 2017 17:18

Jordan Spence netted an 88th minute equaliser as Town drew 2-2 at Hull City, their first draw for 25 matches. The Blues got off to the perfect start when David McGoldrick put them ahead in the sixth minute but the Tigers levelled through Jarrod Bowen on 34, then went in front via Nouha Dicko six minutes after the restart. McGoldrick missed a penalty in the 75th minute but Spence’s third goal of the season grabbed Town their first draw of the season with two minutes remaining.

Boss Mick McCarthy named an unchanged side with the Blues again lining-up in their attacking 4-2-3-1 system with McGoldrick, Martyn Waghorn and Bersant Celina behind Joe Garner.

Callum Connolly again joined Cole Skuse, who was over the injury he suffered in the 3-0 victory over Preston before the international break, in the deeper midfield roles.

There was no place in the 18 for Emyr Huws, who was in contention to return to the squad for the first time since joining the Blues on a permanent basis in the summer after recovering from his achilles injury.

Hull made four changes, Michael Hector, Kevin Stewart, Markus Henriksen and Dicko coming into the side for Max Clark, David Meyler, Jackson Irvine and Fraizer Campbell.

Town started brightly, Henricksen blocking Waghorn’s 30-yard freekick in the second minute.

And four minutes later, the Blues went in front. Hull keeper Allan McGregor impressively tipped Garner’s header over but Town scored from the resultant corner.

Waghorn played a quickly-taken short flag-kick to Celina, who returned the ball to the former Hull loanee, who crossed to the edge of the box. Skuse turned into the area and, after Jonas Knudsen had mis-kicked a loose ball, McGoldrick hit his eighth goal of the campaign into the corner of the net.

Having got their noses in front, the Blues continued to look the better side with the home team unable to make an impression on the game, much to the frustration of the home fans, already in a fractious mood due to their team’s 20th position in the table going into the game and their unpopular owners.

On 17 Garner tried an ambitious chip from not far inside the Hull half which McGregor was able to watch loop wide of his goal.

The Tigers struck their first shot of the game in the 22nd minute but Bowen’s 25-yard effort was straight at Bartosz Bialkowski in the Town goal.

As the game moved towards the half-hour mark Hull put the Blues under pressure for the first time with a number of balls played into the box but the Town backline remaining resolute.

However, in the 34th minute the Tigers levelled. Kamil Grosicki cleverly turned his way past Connolly as he broke into the area on the right, his cross hit Adam Webster, wrong-footing his team-mates and falling to Bowen at the far post and Bialkowski could only palm his shot and ninth goal of the season into the roof of the net.


The goal gave the home side increased impetus and on 40 Webster was forced to pull back Henriksen as he broke away towards goal after the Blues had lost possession and the former Pompey man was shown the first yellow card of the game.

Grosicki saw a strike blocked as the Tigers ended the half on top having grabbed their equaliser, deservedly on the balance of the first 45 minutes as a whole, Town having been the better side earlier in the period when they should have made more of having gained the lead.

Hull midfielder Seb Larsson was booked for a foul on Celina in the first minute of the second half.

Three minutes later, the Kosovo international unleashed a strike from the edge of the box but McGregor saved.

But in the 51st minute the home side went in front. Skipper Luke Chambers initially failed to deal with an aerial ball from deep, Dicko then held him off and ran through one-on-one with Bialkowski before beating the Blues’ keeper.

Town boss McCarthy will have been frustrated by the manner in which the goal was conceded, hardly the first poor goal shipped by his side this season.

Grosicki shot wide for the Tigers, now with their tails very much up, when he might have done better, then Bowen and Connolly had their names added to referee David Coote’s book for fouls.

Having made such a disappointing start to the half, the Blues started to come back into the game, Hector making an important interception ahead of Waghorn as Celina cut back.

At the other end, Dicko shot wide from 25 yards on the hour, then Garner was booked for the latest in a succession of indiscretions.

Moments later, the former Preston and Rangers man may have been a touch fortunate not to receive a second yellow card for clashing with Hector - who he had fouled to pick up his caution - having been felled by the on-loan Chelsea defender.

Knudsen joined the lengthening list of booked players for a foul on Bowen on 67, the Dane’s fifth caution of the season which will see him miss Wednesday’s game against Sheffield Wednesday. A minute later, Hull swapped Grosicki for Jackson Irvine.

Dicko almost profited from an under-hit Knudsen backpass as the game moved into its final 20 minutes but Bialkowski reached the ball and cleared ahead of the one-time Wolves man.

In the 74th minute Town were awarded their first penalty of the season after Waghorn had been clumsily tripped by Stewart as he cut into the area on the right.

Town’s earlier goalscorer McGoldrick took the kick but hit it too close to keeper McGregor, who saved to his right.

The Blues made a double substitution in the 80th minute, Grant Ward and Kevin Bru taking over from Waghorn and Connolly. Hull swapped Larsson for Meyler.

On 86 Freddie Sears replaced a frustrated McGoldrick with the Blues having started to put the Tigers under some late pressure.

And in the 88th minute they levelled. Webster nodded on Chambers's ball into the box after Ward had played a freekick short to him and Spence flung out a leg to divert home off the inside of the post.

Hull switched Dicko for Adama Diomande as the game moved into five minutes of added-on time. Soon after, Ward became the fifth Town player to pick up a yellow card for foul on Bowen, then Stewart joined him for a cynical foul as the Blues broke.

The Tigers should have won it at the death when Meyler found Diomande at the far post but the sub headed wide when he ought to have have scored.

Referee Coote brought the game to an end soon afterwards with the Blues claiming a point from what was an up and down afternoon.

Having started well and grabbing the lead, Town allowed a struggling Tigers side to get back into the game and then to go ahead.

The Blues had rarely looked like getting on terms before McGoldrick’s disappointing penalty. But Town showed their now familiar stoicism with Spence to man to pop up with the important late goal, not for the first time this season.

Overall, a point from a trip to a relegated former Premier League side is never a bad result, however, the Blues will feel that having gone ahead they might well have claimed all three. Equally, they looked destined for defeat for much of the second half.

The draw was Town's first for 25 matches (23 in the league) since the 1-1 with Birmingham on April 1st.

Going 15 league games at the start of a season without a draw is a new club record, beating the previous similar run of 14 established at the beginning of the 1954/55 campaign.

The result moved the Blues up a place to seventh before Derby's 1-1 draw at Fulham saw them return to eighth ahead of Wednesday’s live Sky game against the Owls at Portman Road.

Hull City: McGregor, Aina, Tomori, Dawson (c), Hector, Stewart, Larsson (Meyler 81), Henriksen, Bowen, Grosicki (Irvine 68), Dicko (Diomande 90). Unused: Marshall, Masuch, Clark, Evandro.

Town: Bialkowski, Spence, Webster, Chambers (c), Knudsen, Skuse, Connolly (Bru 80), Celina, McGoldrick (Sears 86), Waghorn (Ward 80), Garner. Unused: Gerken, Iorfa, Nydam, Kenlock. Referee: David Coote (Nottinghamshire). Att: 15,516 (Town: 985).


Photo: PagePix



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NoCanariesAllowed added 17:25 - Nov 18
Very mid-table of us to end up going behind in a game that was looking very winnable in the first half. Equally mid-table of a fairly underwhelming Hull side to let us take a point so late on. Probably reflective of where the two sides will end up.

I thought Hull were appalling for the first 20mins. We were largely doing our jobs at front and back and I felt we were a bit unlucky not to be ahead at half time. Second half was so scrappy on our part that I'm glad we came away with a point when it felt like it had completely slipped away from us. Still seemed winnable - and losable - right to the end.

I know we could've won it with the pen. From where I was sitting, it didn't look like the spotkick should've been given anyway - although I can't say for sure without a second viewing.

Hoping that the snatching of a point keeps some momentum going for us, but this felt like we could have had more. Not much positive energy from the home crowd in what was a fairly docile KCOM for the most part - you don't sense Hull will be returning to the top flight too quickly. Ultimately, I'll take the draw.

(PS. Out of hot food 20mins before the start of the game? Have a word with yourselves, Hull!)
10

prebsa added 17:27 - Nov 18
Happyish with a point but Hull are a struggling side and we made them look a lot better than they really are in my opinion. Attacking wise we tried very hard but they stood pretty firm.

People will loose their minds at this but chambers really is the week link in our team only good for giving commands and the occasional fist pump when we win at home. When fit would much rather have Webster and smith in the team together! Also gives better balance with a right and left footed pair.

Like I say think we should of got the win but after we went 2-1 down I didn't really feel like we would get anything so I guess in the end a point is good. First draw in ages too. Good amount of away fans there today :)
11

iaintaylorx added 17:29 - Nov 18
Don't get me wrong, I love my club, but I'm so so bored now with this management and structure of this club.

A few seasons ago, I'd have been jumping around my room if we scored a last minute equaliser, but the alert came through and I didn't really react.

I'm not excited about much anymore, and Mick needs to go!! I can't be the only one...
22

TimmyH added 17:30 - Nov 18
Well our first draw of the season against a Hull side on the decent which I can't get too excited about...sounded like we started the game well but then took our foot off the pedal. Good that we can get late goals away that are getting us points but still have concerns for our colander defense.

Tougher tests ahead BUT probably a game we could have won today, next up Wednesday on live TV and we know how we've performing in front of the cameras...so worrying?
6

martin587 added 17:37 - Nov 18
Plenty to consider on the long drive back to Southend.First half we shcould and should have sown the game up,but once again we failed and drawing games like this will see us out of the top six at the end of the season.
Hull were there for the taking in the first half.Second half was completely different and at the end I was happy with a draw.
MM must have a rethink for next Wednesday. For me the midfield was missing today,as has been for most of the season.
9

jas0999 added 17:49 - Nov 18
Fair, albeit average result against a team who are struggling and now sit 20th in the league. Neither a good nor bad result in my opinion. Bang average. On the positive, it's nice to see us score a couple of goals. On the negative, the defence remains a huge concern and must be improved with investment in the January window.

This was the start of an extremely difficult run of games - this being a winnable one. So although salvaging a point is welcome, ultimately I was personally hoping for a win. We move on.
13

itfchorry added 17:53 - Nov 18
Yes IanTaylor - you are not alone -

Evans and McCarhty have sucked the life out
of the club -

10,000 plus fans missing -

Just expected to put up with it -

Sad days

McCarthy and Co OUT
15

bluerico added 17:53 - Nov 18
Hull looked there for the taking in the first half but we did not capitalise on our goal. When we went 2-1 down and missed the penalty I thought we would lose, so reasonably happy with a draw at the end of the day. Greater tests await in the coming games.
9

blueboy1981 added 17:59 - Nov 18
........ minus a midfield again ... !! - we'll never see us play with an effective one again, until the Dinosaur has departed. Another opportunity lost for another couple of points. But 'no such thing as a bad point' will be all he thinks about...... !!
13

ChrisFelix added 18:06 - Nov 18
Where is the creativity in our midfield. Our genius of a manager decided to leave one of our skillful players out of the squad despite rushing back the negative Skuse
14

Seasider added 18:06 - Nov 18
On the face of it a game we could have won had the pen gone in.Was it just a coincidence that we stopped pressing Hull after first goal,giving them more time?
Don't know if there is a designated penalty taker;but think Waggy should now be given the job,at least until he misses.Thats if Town get another one ?Perhaps we don't get into opposing teams area enough ?

Pity that Huws had a tight hamstring so couldn't be considered;but isn't Didsy wasted out wide ?Hope that Emyr is fit enough to make the bench on Wednesday bearing in mind that he hasn't kicked a ball for the first team this season?

Still not strong enough in midfield,perhaps should have three in there,would like to see us go with 3 Centre backs again as still conceding too many goals,as although Chambers once again at fault for second goal,never criticised;and is bound to be in again next Wednesday.

Still point keeps us in contention in top half of table,and perhaps by Christmas we will have Adeyami, Huws and Bishop in the squad!
21

MickCuresInsomnia added 18:10 - Nov 18
Itfchorry.......agree with you and iaintaylor and certain points you raise but come firmly down on the view that McCarthy is the main problem.

His tactics resemble a teenager playing 'Football Manager', let's play 4 attackers, hump it forward, keep doing that and hope for the best.

He's got no excuse with the "they've spent some dough" rubbish he comes out either especially when the likes of Chris Wilder is doing such a fantastic job with The Blades.

If Evans eventually ditches Mick and gets our management choice right there's plenty out their who can do a better job than Michael.
6

The_Romford_Blue added 18:23 - Nov 18
1 point off the playoffs with a game in hand suggests some of you lot need to get a grip.



*Awaits downarrows*
10

iaintaylorx added 18:28 - Nov 18
I get that RomfordBlue, but it is not attractive. The attendances speak volumes, showing not many are entertained...
13

Bluetone added 18:35 - Nov 18
What I fail to understand is what is the point of bringing on substitutes with so little game time left.
Two brought on at the 80 minute mark and the final one at 86 minutes, Smacks little of decent planned tactics and more of desperation.
3

hancockingoal added 18:46 - Nov 18
I am probably not qualified to comment as I have given up my season ticket this season after many years! I did see the Sunderland game as I was invited into the 'prawn sandwich' section and I am convinced that when we're 4 1 up big Mick went for the draw! My comment today is that Skuse was part of an unchanged team. Obviously when he cleans Big Mick's car it shines far better than a host of East European car cleaner professionals! Thus he is an automatic choice and our results reflect accordingly! Oh what a cynical old git I am!!!
1

Elizabeth added 18:53 - Nov 18
Moans again ! Can we not get behind the team for a change ! We are in a good position in the league at this time of the season ! A big chance to be in the top six on Weds ! COYB !!
4

blueheartXT added 18:53 - Nov 18
I'm with you RomfordBlue

And I'm completely fed up with the repetitive remarks from the same people win loose or draw
5

Rensham added 19:04 - Nov 18
great result for the Town. If Mick keeps up the good form and continues to pick young player like Connolly and Celina wouldn't be surprised if ME offers him a new contract soon. And it would be a good move as his contract is running down. COYB
-17

Elizabeth added 19:04 - Nov 18
Perhaps you would all like the owner and MM to go and then we'd be where Coventry are ! Think on !!
-14

dirtydingusmagee added 19:09 - Nov 18
well done The Romford Blue, I knew someone would mention ''the magic'' game in hand LOL, THE SOONER THATS OUT OF THE WAY THE BETTER. Today was just another reality check, .We are not getting anywhere with McCarthy.
14

hogster1970 added 19:10 - Nov 18
Well a few happy clappy brigade out then. MM won't change . Last game we was ruddy awfull until scuse went of and bru came on then slowly we then looked like a good team esp when connally went off. Our midfield not only won the ball but we was more dynamic with it. But yet again mm plays his mates aka scuse and chambers. This team won't be much kop until MM relies both players are ok for the bench. As we have far better as replacements. And yet again we was poor in second half and yet he waits to long for subs. As alex mathie said calina was quiet today mainly because he wasn't given the ball. Why didn't he get the ball because he wasn't being fed from the midfield.

We have some tough games coming up. I for one think we should have started today as we finished against Preston.
8

cat added 19:13 - Nov 18
Agree wholeheartedly with IainTaylor's Stella & spot on post, kinda of numb when it comes to ITFC these days, but keep the faith, it won't last forever.
Anyway, on to today's game, pass and move football, excitement, nigh on sell out, end to end stuff, proper football being played out from the back and through the midfield, it was special to watch and pleasing on the eye. OH! forgot to mention I was at the North London Derby instead of making the very grim journey up to Hull, and I make no apologises for doing so. Their are apparent parallels between us and Arsenal, even after landing a derby match victory the majority of fans still want Wenger gone, and that's with the fact that his style of play is entertaining and he had delivered some success. Maybe a few on here who ‘McCarthy' describes as fickle, RomfordBlue & blue hearts for example who appear only to be bothered with results and league positions can try and get their heads round this and maybe get where fans like myself are coming from.
8

Bert added 19:27 - Nov 18
Stay away fans keep mocking our 15,000 gates but that's what Hull are getting in the city of culture with a populationmore than twice the size of Ipswich. Just making a point.
7

LWNR2013 added 19:33 - Nov 18
Still on target for 73points, there or thereabouts. Progress 👍
2


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