Town continue to wait for their first win under Paul Hurst after goals at either end of the match saw Hull City to a 2-0 victory at the KCOM Stadium. Jarrod Bowen struck after three minutes, then sub Jackson Irvine sealed the three points a minute from time with the Blues dropping to bottom of the table.

Flynn Downes returned to the Blues starting line-up in midfield alongside Cole Skuse with Jon Nolan taking the more advanced central role behind Jon Walters, who was the lone striker.

Kayden Jackson dropped to the bench where Danny Rowe was included for the first time in the Championship this season. Janoi Donacien was again the loanee to miss out on a place in the 18.

In front of a very sparse KCOM Stadium crowd Hull took the lead from the first attack of the game in the third minute.

Downes dawdled and was caught in possession by Fraizer Campbell midway inside the Town half and the former Crystal Palace man played in Jarrod Bowen on the right of the box from where he dinked the ball over Dean Gerken with Matthew Pennington unable to clear off the line. It was Bowen’s third goal in three games against Town and his first of this season.

After the shock of conceding the early goal it took the Blues a little while to threaten. However, they briefly began to make some headway and on 13 Gwion Edwards worked space to cross from the right and Jordan Graham was just prevented from getting in a shot from the edge of the box.

Town came close to claiming an equaliser in the 16th minute from a well-worked corner. Graham’s deep flag-kick from the right was nodded back across the area by Skuse and Nolan headed wide at the near post when he will feel he ought to have done better.

However, almost immediately the Tigers came close to doubling their lead. Campbell again sent Bowen away, this time down the middle, and only a well-timed challenge from skipper Luke Chambers prevented the former Hereford forward from getting in a shot at goal.

The Blues were unable to get the ball away from their area and on 19 a cross from the left reached Campbell who failed to make contact with an acrobatic attempt at a volley.

Hull continued to put Town under pressure winning a number of corners, one of which Evandro flicked not too far over at the near post.

The Tigers continued to control the game but without creating further chances until the 33rd minute when Campbell headed over from a Todd Kane corner.

Town had made no impact at the other end since Nolan’s header but in the 34th minute Walters won a freekick midway inside the Hull half but Graham’s set piece towards the striker was too long.

The Blues were starting to make more of an impression, however, and a minute later Nolan played the ball into the box from the right to Walters, who turned it on to Graham on the left, from where the on-loan Wolves man curled a shot not too far wide.

Then, on 40, Graham’s cross from the left was poorly cleared by Stephen Kingsley to the edge of the box and Nolan struck a difficult half-volley over the bar. Soon after, Hull were forced to swap the injured Daniel Batty for Kevin Stewart.

Town continued to threaten and on 44 Knudsen’s very deep cross from the left reached Edwards rushing in at the back of the box and the Welshman volleyed powerfully against Kingsley.

Although the Blues had ended the half on top, they had been very much second best for most of the period and were fortunate to be only a goal behind.

The early goal inevitably gave the home side - without a win at home in their previous four games this season - a boost, while the Blues struggled to make an impact aside from the brief spell in which Nolan went close.

However, they might well have created an opening from when they could have grabbed a leveller during their spell just before the break.

Town started the second half on the front foot having most of the ball but without being able to carve out an early opportunity.

The Blues continued to take the game to the Tigers and in the 56th minute a cross from the right reached Graham at the far post but fell the wrong side of the winger and he was unable to get in a shot.

A minute later, a loose ball ran to Downes on the edge of the area but the midfielder scuffed his shot wide.

But Hull gradually began to get back on top and on 58 Gerken was forced into his first save of the second half from Campbell’s strike. The keeper was unable to hold on to the shot but Knudsen was first to the loose ball and showed composure to take his time and clear.

On 65 Campbell was booked following a foul on Downes, however the caution was more for a serious of transgressions rather than just that challenge.

A minute later, Town struck their first shot on target of the afternoon, however, Graham’s effort was too close to David Marshall, who saved comfortably. Hull switched Kingsley for Jackson Irvine in the 69th minute.

The Tigers went close to adding to their lead soon afterwards, Pennington nodding Evandro’s shot away from in front of the line after Bowen’s shot from a tight angle had fallen to the Brazilian.

Town made their first substitution of the afternoon in the 72nd minute, Jackson taking over from Downes. Seconds later, a Graham corner from the left flashed across the Hull six-yard box having been inadvertently flicked goalwards by a Hull head.

But the Tigers, and specifically Bowen, were still looking the most likely scorers of the game’s second goal. On 74 the Hull forward cut in from the right and hit a shot which Gerken did well to save with his foot. Soon after, Stewart was booked for a foul on Jackson.

Rowe took over from Edwards in the 79th minute with the former Macclesfield man on the left and Graham - who had made more of an impression than he had against Norwich - moving to the right.

Bowen threatened to score his second goal of the game once again in the 81st minute having been sent away behind the Blues’ backline but Gerken was out quickly to thwart him with Chambers also playing a part with his physicality.

On 86, with Hull still looking the more likely scorers of the game’s second goal, Ellis Harrison replaced Graham, then two minutes later Hull swapped Campbell for Beccles-born former Canary Chris Martin, who was making his debut for his new loan club.

And in the penultimate minute of scheduled time that second Tigers goal arrived. Evandro chipped a ball behind the Town defence for sub Irvine to run on to. Spence tried to hold off the Australian international but was brushed aside and the former Burton man beat Gerken confidently.

The whistle confirmed the Blues’ fourth away defeat in their first four games and Hull had claimed their first win at home at the fourth attempt.

It was a victory the home side deserved and they might well have had the game sewn up prior to Irvine’s late goal with Bowen in particular regularly threatening. The Tigers caused the Blues more defensive problems in open play than anyone else they have faced so far this season.

Town put in their poorest display of the season but had periods where they were on top however they never convinced that they were going to get anything from the game with Marshall in the Hull goal rarely seriously tested. The best chance was Nolan’s first-half header wide.

The Blues, now bottom of the table by two clear points with three sides ahead of them on five, now have back-to-back home games against Brentford and Bolton - second and 10th respectively - as they look to finally end their increasingly concerning wait for a win.

Hull City: Marshall, De Wijs, Burke, Evandro, Kane, Batty (Stewart 41), Bowen, Henriksen (c), Kingsley (Irvine 69), Campbell (Martin 88), Elphick. Unused: Long, Dicko, Grosicki, McKenzie.

Town: Gerken, Spence, Chambers (c), Pennington, Knudsen, Skuse, Downes (Jackson 72), Edwards (Rowe 79), Nolan, Graham (Harrison 86), Walters. Unused: Bialkowski, Chalobah, Ward, Edun. Referee: Tony Harrington (Cleveland). Att: 11,650.

Photo: Pagepix

Geoff added 17:30 - Sep 15 As much as it hurts me to say this Hurst has to go the players clearly do not want to play for him his tactics are all wrong you cannot play one player up front. Clearly dropping Bartos is not going to change results. As for the owner do not get me started he should sell up as this great club is in in freefall
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Reuserscurtains added 17:32 - Sep 15 Hurst out.
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bluemike1969 added 17:33 - Sep 15 How much longer can we listen to "give it time" or "it will come" The only thing that will come is a trip down the A12 to the Community stadium next season. I agree that PH is out of his depth and has no clue. I was never thrilled about this guy and could give you names of others that would have given it a better go. Overhauling a team using league 1 and 2 players doesn't work. And on tuesday we play an inform Brentford who are second in the league. All power to the support but sadly we are heading for third tier football managed by a guy who should have stayed in the lower leagues. We have to back him as we have him for at least 3 years but i'm really worried.

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blueherts added 17:36 - Sep 15 We have only played 2 teams in the top half of the table and none of the top clubs yet . Games coming fast and really cannot see a plan . Hurst - where is your style of play ? Huws needed and crying out for creative midfielder
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Bluewelshman added 17:36 - Sep 15 Furious...it sounded like listening to one of Micks teams playing away. I am still positive that Mick needed to leave, and I was unsure of Hurst coming in to replace him, but I thought his enthusiasm would balance out his lack of Championship level management skills...I think my first reaction may be right. Unfortunately the club seems to be on its way down, maybe it has been a long time coming, but I don't believe most town fans would be surprised that these sh**ty days have arrived. The Club has been a ticking time bomb of mediocre football from Keane, Jewell, Mick, and now Hurst who at least has the intent of player a decent quality of football, I still think that the biggest mistake our club made was sacking Magilton. I'm trying not to be a total doom & gloom merchant, but I cannot think of much positives at the club I love at the moment. The most annoying thing is that the BCWYWF, Mick McCarthy loving, type of fans are as happy as larry right now, tapping away at their sticky keyboards after this defeat. Anyway, fingers crossed for the Brentford game, lets hope Hurst can turn this ship around...COYB.

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portmames added 17:38 - Sep 15 I play local village football, as A defender,, the good news is that there is chance I might signed up by PH, if not I will most likely be playing against the Blues on the village Green. PH is out of his depth, nothing will change, it is a work in progress, well if that is the case, give us all a heads up and I will come back, no need to waste my time. Big SAM still available Ble?

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Sparkerino added 17:39 - Sep 15 Well folks, given the choice between a manager who was in his depth but playing unattractive football, or one who is clearly out of his depth at this level, which would you rather? People said 'Be Careful what you wish for'. Well many people wished for a change, and now we are reaping the results. Hold tight - it's going to be a very bumpy ride - and I don't see a good outcome, because there is little I see to feel encouraged about.

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Tractorblue1939 added 17:40 - Sep 15 I acknowledge that this is a transition period and PH may soon decide on his best side. However, there are players in our squad who are definitely good enough to compete well in this league. Why won't he play them? Still think he's got rid of too many of them (Wag, Garner, McGoldrick, Webster) and we'd be struggling, but we might be a bit higher up the table and with at least 1 win. Why has he dropped Bart?? If fit, would he put Dozzell, Huws, or Bishop in the side??? Not sure I trust he would... I agree with many of you, too many gambles at once, and none have stepped up to the plate and took their place in the team by the scruff of the neck. I'm not calling for Hurst's head yet as we do need to give him a chance. But, if we were to drop to League 1, would we trust him to bring us back up? There's still time to turn it around. Keep patient for a few more weeks at least

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norfstanda added 17:40 - Sep 15 He's out of his depth He's out of his depth Paul Hurst He's out of his depth
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norfstanda added 17:41 - Sep 15 Paul Hurst =🤡
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megamoth added 17:41 - Sep 15 Big trouble in little Ipswich
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runaround added 17:43 - Sep 15 Very poor result & poor start to the season continues. Hurst has to be given time but boy do we need a win & very soon. Confidence must be low in the squad now & this poor run is very concerning
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ShropshireBluenago09 added 17:43 - Sep 15 2 wins off mid-table, 12 points off top! Have some patience. i agree with some, Hursts selection is odd ATM, Graham playing, Donacien and Edun benched, Harrison discarded. However, Hurst has done well wherever he has managed, hence he got the job. Yes we were poor today, but ive seen enough, particularly against the scum, where we played well enough. We just need to find the right mix.

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Suffolkboy added 17:45 - Sep 15 Could there be riots in Ipswich ?Might there be increasing doubts about this managerial team ? Do they actually know what they are actually aiming for, & how to do it or get there at this level ? Much noise about promise of different football, but so far little evidence PH and CD have unlocked the Treasure trove of secrets to success! Rather there seems now quite obvious uncertainty in ,tactics, strategy ,systems and use of our resources ! This is a bit Humpty Dumpty ,but can all the King's horses and all the King's men put ITFC together again ? Come on Mr Evans ,it's time to get the stick out ,demand answers ,or even ,if it's possible , an honest admission that ,with the best will in the world ,it's simply gone Base over Apex . We all need a pick- up , maybe your Managers need rather more : certainly supporters are losing hope and faith now ! Come on you Blues !!

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TimmyH added 17:46 - Sep 15 Well the alarm bells should be starting to ring after this result and performance against a relatively poor Hull and after a fortnight break, I said yesterday we always seem to help a team out desperately struggling (lost all games at home until now) and again it's happened. No 'honeymoon' period for Hurst that's for sure, the most stringent of his supporters must be at a bit concerned propping up the rest of the league.

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carlo88 added 17:48 - Sep 15 Ambition and direction comes from the top. Four successive managers look like they'll probably fail here. Draw your own conclusions.
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Pilgrimblue added 17:49 - Sep 15 I just don't get PH. He's just like MM arrogant and typical northerner, obstinent ME had chance to get Warburtonand give an experienced championship manager time to work with a good squad but no he takes a complete gamble and goes for a cheap option. He's signed players but doesn't use them and then panics with last minute loans! Sends out our own youth who looked ready to be given time in squad (Woolf Morris etc). And then expects to win with only one up front when JW and Jackson looked promising against Norwich. I'd sack him and bring in Warburton to sort out mess and bring back all our loans if poss. Trying to work out where we're going to get first win!!

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cat added 17:49 - Sep 15 Unbeaten at home, 2 pts off 16th, are things really that bad. (Lol) The one thing I'm absolutely delighted about is the fact MM ain't with us no more, enough said! 👌
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blue86 added 17:50 - Sep 15 now dont get me wrong, i defo wanted mick to go in the end. but.... makes you feel a bit stupid looking at the league table thinking, we are back at the bottom of the league after mick has gone which is where we were when he took over!!!! full circle!!! aghhh someone please tell me a positive in all this! haha if i didnt laugh i would cry.
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Felstow1978 added 17:50 - Sep 15 36 posts already, the over-enthusiastic onanists must have been longing for the final whistle and a chance to savour the orgasmic delight of a Town defeat. town losing must be the sole highlight of your dark, dank miserable lives. Never post anything when the Town win or play well, just come on here to moan when three points slip through the fingers. If you've nothing to say, shut up.

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TimmyH added 17:51 - Sep 15 @unknown100 - said what you have more or less before a ball was kicked this season (strangely not many up votes at the time), does make you concerned if Hurst is the right man with so many changes brought in never mind playing style (that a majority of us wanted). I'll give him sometime further but he really needs 1 or 2 wins under his belt sooner rather than later.
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dirtydingusmagee added 17:53 - Sep 15 NOT HOPEFUL, i was worried that Hurst would be out of his depth, nothing so far to change that, what dosnt help is that the players he has brought in also look out of their depth .
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BigAlsMate added 17:54 - Sep 15 I look at things simply. Sell your best players and replace them with League 1/League 2 journeymen and you get a League 1/League 2 team. All those who thought selling the likes of Waghorn and Garner for decent profits was good business all I can say is that relegation will cost us much more than we made this summer! I will be a Blue till I die, but I fear this club is going down and will not be returning any time soon. We need change now!!

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ChrisFelix added 17:55 - Sep 15 How were we going to win this game with Walters up front on his own Strange team selection, all the pace on the bench
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ITFCsince73 added 17:57 - Sep 15 Lol...Cat. As usual agreed. I'm with you all the way on that..
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