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

afcfee added 09:10 - Sep 16 Doesn't matter if he hasn't been in a job he loves the club and would show a bit of passion on the touchline. Something I'm not sure PH is capable of, seems very un-animated along with negative tactics did anyone really think our midfield was going to create any chances yesterday? I wonder if Skuse gets into an attacking Burley team? Maybe we'll find out if we keep loosing...

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afcfee added 09:12 - Sep 16 Or big Sam would be good, we have gone from a massive presence MM screaming on the touchline to silent PH with his arms crossed.
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ChrisFelix added 09:15 - Sep 16 The team selection yesterday was strange. Why leave Harrison /Jackson/ Donacian/ the Fulham loanee out & play Spence & Graham. Pleased he gave Downes a start , but what a start. As a Hurst in manager I am beginning to see division 3 next season. Or should I say division 3 south, it's that long ago
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Cloddyseedbed added 09:38 - Sep 16 Like others I'm starting to be a bit worried I admit. The transfer policy in and out has been the most worrying of all. MM's time has come and gone, he was successful at the start but should have gone far sooner than he did, we were going backwards in league position and fan base was dropping like a stone. We needed change. Is Hurst the right man for the job? Looking at the transfer policy for one, no he isn't. How anyone can sign all those lower league players and expect to stay in Championship is a grave concern of mine. The tactics must change, it's not working, if somethings not working you must change it. We went through all that with the previous manager. We've gone from an abrupt, rude manager to one who talks too much in my opinion. Talk is cheap. Manager should be given time and he will but a lot of things need to change. Defense is poor. Midfield is not up to it. Nolan has something but has been poor of late. Bart was dropped for under performing. We need experience and guile in Midfield to supply the front 2. You can't play with just one as a target with little or no support. Jack Ross was my choice for manager. I watched how the Shresbury team was set up and how they played in the play off final and was certainly not impressed with the tactics or players. Lets hope Hurst can turn things around but performances, tactics and results need to be improving all round.

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Cloddyseedbed added 09:39 - Sep 16 * Shrewsbury
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derbyblue51 added 09:46 - Sep 16 Skip 73 I'll remind you of your comment when at Christmas we are still bottom then let's see how you feel
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JewellintheTown added 10:25 - Sep 16 What we need is young, upcoming manager, someone not afraid to take a gamble on lower league players and unearth some gems. Takes risks, tries new things, we're prepared to wait, in for the long haul, someone we can trust who'll come good if we give him a chance like Bobby Robson ... ... ... ... ... had enough waiting now, been 7 games and no wins.
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BlueandTruesince82 added 10:25 - Sep 16 I am all for giving managers time but no wins in 7? Yes luck played a part but yesterday we had an abandonment of Hursts principles either by Hurst himself, a worry this soon or by the players who in which case they can't or wont take it on board....... worrying, feels like the belief has gone with the players. If we persist with 1 up front then play Freddie who can do it, has pace and defo something to prove.

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budgieplucker added 10:31 - Sep 16 Brentford after 7 games last year had the exact same results as us, drawn 3 lost 4 and 3 points. Dean Smith came from the lower leagues. I believe there were very few people calling for his head and in fact we had beaten them here at Portman Road. I think we need to get a sense of perspective. We appointed a manager after several weeks wait, we prevaricated in the transfer market not giving players the full pre season to get to know a new system, so in fairness to Paul Hurst he has been at a disadvantage in what is a very very tough league. As I have said before Hurst was not my choice, but few would have probably agreed with me, if we had wanted the best coach around we would have gone for McLaren, if we wanted somebody to have probably got the best out of what we had then we would have gone for Graham Potter my preferred choice out of these two. However, Hurst is not a bad manager but has a steep learning curve and needs a bit of luck and the fans backing. Yesterday's performance was probably the poorest of the season, Gwion Edwards arguably our best player this season so far and Jon Nolan - (yes he has struggled) were the only two Div 1 players in the starting line up yesterday. We wanted young and hungry. And we need to give it a fair chance. Let's shatter this myth about playing all our youngsters and dreaming of getting promoted. Young players can make a significant contribution, young players have dips in form and are more likely to have their confidence broken easier. Oh and young players are likely to make more mistakes through lack of experience, young Flynn will only know to well from yesterday's game

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pazzy added 10:32 - Sep 16 Get rid of this clown got rid of our best defender and four goals scorers and got in div two players get burley in before it's to late
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Philpomr added 10:33 - Sep 16 I have been a life long supporter, had a season ticket since 92. Supported them in the highs and lows. But the last ten years have been poor, but every year I have tried to justified it to renew. My daughter and my son went until my daughter said ‘I'm bored' my son kept going for a couple of years but it was like trying to drag him out. So he goes no more. When children with their innocent eyes can see that it's wrong and boring why the hell can't the owner! The owner must be laughing because he really hasn't spent any money on players this season - the players that have come in don't add up to 5/6 million which we got for Waggy. And selling him to another Championship team is mad! We got waggie in because we needed a good striker. So this season sell all good players put the young ones on loan so not to show up the cheep players we got in!!! The owner has ripped out the soul of Ipswich Town Football Club. I sit in the stands the ground looks familiar and the outstanding fans but that's it. It is soulless and empty.

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TimmyH added 10:48 - Sep 16 No point harking about to the days when Bobby Robson was appointed in the late 60's (let's be honest Hurst won't be anywhere near his quality). Football and the industry is a completely different beast now to the 'simpler' days back then with less pressure.
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Pezzer added 11:09 - Sep 16 PH will now have to live or die by the sword so to speak. I was hoping to see a bright, young energetic team emerge from the shadows of the MM era but it has really been a let down thus far. The overall strategy has been a bit questionable- the pre-season to Spain was a good idea, but to then allow a situation to arise where only 3 of those involved in Spain and most of pre-season started in the League proper completely undermined the whole pre-season! At the end of last season and also pre-season I feel that many of our younger players had shown they were ready- Woolfenden, Nydam, Downes, Kenlock, Dozzell and possibly a couple more, but apart from Downes all have been shelved in one way or another. The extra loanees has also meant that after a few games in even some of the new players have now been dropped, such as Donacien who I thought was settling in and getting better. So really it has been shambolic from an overall recruitment and strategic perspective and it's no surprise we are struggling. Perhaps there is still a chance things will get better once we finally have a settled team as so far we have had the opposite. However I still believe if we stick to the one up front in this league we will not score sufficient goals to win games as we may always concede. If we are bottom after 12 games and persevering with one up front then it will be time for a rethink....I still hope we can get going and wish PH all the best but ultimately he needs to go for a win and soon.

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Pezzer added 11:14 - Sep 16 PH will now have to live or die by the sword so to speak. I was hoping to see a bright, young energetic team emerge from the shadows of the MM era but it has really been a let down thus far. The overall strategy has been a bit questionable- the pre-season to Spain was a good idea, but to then allow a situation to arise where only 3 of those involved in Spain and most of pre-season started in the League proper completely undermined the whole pre-season! At the end of last season and also pre-season I feel that many of our younger players had shown they were ready- Woolfenden, Nydam, Downes, Kenlock, Dozzell and possibly a couple more, but apart from Downes all have been shelved in one way or another. The extra loanees has also meant that after a few games in even some of the new players have now been dropped, such as Donacien who I thought was settling in and getting better. So really it has been shambolic from an overall recruitment and strategic perspective and it's no surprise we are struggling. Perhaps there is still a chance things will get better once we finally have a settled team as so far we have had the opposite. However I still believe if we stick to the one up front in this league we will not score sufficient goals to win games as we may always concede. If we are bottom after 12 games and persevering with one up front then it will be time for a rethink....I still hope we can get going and wish PH all the best but ultimately he needs to go for a win and soon.

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Dissboyitfc added 11:20 - Sep 16 football is a funny old game ( not laughing at the moment) we will beat Brentford on Tuesday, its got got shock written all over it! Willing to give Hurst more time till i start calling for his head, but the biggest problem for me is the transfer policy, all those loans in and ours going out! And the launching it up to Walters is not what we wished for either! WE do need goals and i am not sure where i can see them coming from! Is hurst out of his depth? maybe but a little more time is needed before we can answer that! All still very early days but its not promising is it! Its looking very much like Jewells reign right at this moment, the only different is their surnames!

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Dissboyitfc added 11:23 - Sep 16 "difference"
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Dissboyitfc added 11:41 - Sep 16 i really believe that if by the end of October there arent signs of improvement then i dont think they will improve.
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Dissboyitfc added 11:47 - Sep 16 By then we will be 15 games, third of the season will have gone and it wont be too late at that point but leave it till to January and its a very different story!
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Davidwb20 added 12:59 - Sep 16 Not going to write an epiphany-However a manager that feels it is ok to play away with a lone striker and disemeniate almost the whole first team will find himself in trouble. Needs to learn fast or it will be to late!
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martin587 added 13:17 - Sep 16 I made the arduous journey to Hull and to be be honest it was a total waste of time.This was the worst performance so far and from that showing we appear to be going backwards not forwards.we have just had two weeks to try and put things right but nothing seemed to work. Once again two stupid errors let us down.The defence is still unsure,the midfield lacks drive and vision and playing one up front does not work.I felt sorry for Walters chasing shadows and when he did win a knock down there was nobody near him to pick the ball up. I never complain or criticise the club or players and never will but what I'm witnessing at the moment is not good. There seems to me to be to much uncertainty with individual players and some seem totally lost. We must penetrate teams with our pace and play two strikers,not just a loan striker without support. I don't think 4-1-4-1 suits us.Would much prefer 4-4-2. Attacking is the best form of defence! Four points from our next two games is a must otherwise confidence will disappear and I dread to think of the consequences. Enough of my rant,roll on Tuesday and at least get one point,if not three.

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ITFCsince73 added 13:21 - Sep 16 As I stated from the word go. We needed the senior players at the club, yes the proper blokes, to stand up to the count. Putting in top draw performances, week in, week out. To inspire the younger, inexperienced players. As usual hold your heads in shame Chambo, Skuse etc.
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brendenward35 added 17:56 - Sep 16 Unfortunately living in the North East and seeing the black cats relugated last season makes me very concerned for Town. If these wonderful ideas of Hurst are not working and players not understanding then he needs to go to plan b if he has one. Hope these players all got written in their contract if we go down so does their wages.
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oldblue added 11:21 - Sep 17 Ok not a good performance..but it will come..but...you cannot afford to have defenders not defend ...Spence you should be ashamed of yourself for your pathetic defending for the second goal..you gave up man !!! .....even Sunday Morning footballers wouldnt be allowed to get away with that..
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Barty added 11:30 - Sep 17 Very very worrying. Cant score , cant keep clean sheet , cant win , need I say more. We simply must win one of the next two home games to boost morale. I agree its still early days but things must change
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dirtydingusmagee added 12:32 - Sep 17 Swn98 i was definately a Mick Outer, at least that much got through the s##t in your head .NO REGRETS EITHER, at least we got change ,that WAS needed. .As far as telling me to do one is concerened, its pathetic you wouldnt have the nuts to meet me face face , so f##k off Peewee.
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