Kamil Grosicki netted a goal in each half as Hull City defeated the Blues 2-0 at Portman Road. Town saw plenty of the ball throughout and had the ball cleared off the line twice in the first half but the Tigers were far more clinical with Polish international Grosicki taking opportunities in the 14th and 49th minutes and the visitors never looked in much trouble once they had established their two-goal lead.

The Blues were without Matthew Pennington, who has suffered a season-ending ankle injury, and Teddy Bishop, while Collin Quaner dropped to the bench.

Pennington, who has been on loan for the season from Everton, was replaced at the centre of the defence by Toto Nsiala, while Cole Skuse returned alongside Jon Nolan and Trevoh Chalobah for Bishop in midfield. Up front, Kayden Jackson started.

Hull made four changes with Todd Kane, Eric Lichaj, Jordy de Wijs and Dan Batty coming into the side.

Town made the early running, winning a number of corners in the opening minutes but without seriously testing Tigers goalkeeper and skipper David Marshall.

Hull threatened for the first time on 10, when Blues skipper Luke Chambers diverted a header from a Kamil Grosicki freekick wide.

Soon after, Jackson Irvine’s shot from the edge of the box looped goalwards under the bar but was confidently claimed by Bartosz Bialkowski.

However, in the 14th minute the Tigers went ahead. A low ball in from the right was cleverly dummied by Marc Pugh and found its way to Fraizer Campbell, who fed Grosicki to his left and the Polish international struck a low shot which Nsiala was unable to prevent from hitting the net.

Town suffered a further blow four minutes later when Jon Nolan was forced off with an injury following treatment on the pitch. Andre Dozzell replaced the Liverpudlian midfielder.

On 21 Myles Kenlock hit the Blues’ first shot of the afternoon having cut in from the left but sent the ball well over the bar with his right foot.

Eight minutes later, Gwion Edwards was booked for a late challenge on Lichaj, the Welshman appearing to have lost his footing as the ball was played forward.

As the game reached the half-hour mark the Blues began to get on top and dominate possession, with sub Dozzell and Alan Judge increasingly influential, however, as has become so familiar in recent months, without being able to create a clear-cut opportunity.

On 34 Judge’s cross from the right eventually fell to Edwards but his curled effort was too high, the Irishman having switched to the right and the Welshman to the left.

Town continued to press and three minutes later, a superb, curling Bree cross from the right reached Edwards at the far post but the winger was unable to get enough on the ball to direct it towards goal.

Soon after, Hull were forced into a change with Beccles-born former Canary Chris Martin taking over from the injured Campbell.

The game briefly fell flat with Hull winning a succession of freekicks around the halfway line before the Blues regained the upper hand and came very close to getting on terms.

After an excellent move down the right involving Judge, Chalobah and Dozzell, Bree sent over a cross which eventually fell to Jackson. The striker worked himself space and shot goalwards but the ball was blocked by Lichaj on the line blocked.

In four minutes of injury time, Jarrod Bowen hit a shot which deflected through to Bialkowski, then a wayward Kenlock pass led to a Hull attack but Nsiala slid in to block Pugh’s shot.

Seconds before the whistle Town had the ball cleared off the line for a second time. Judge whipped over a left-sided corner to the near post, Edwards flicked on towards goal but Pugh was on hand to clear.

The half had been a microcosm of most of the Blues’ recent performances. They had been good on the ball and on top for the most part but without having turned that superiority into goals at one end, while conceding disappointingly at the other.

However, Town could count themselves unlucky to be behind at the break on this occasion with Jackson and Edwards both having had the ball cleared off the line.

The Blues began the second half as the had ended the first on the front foot but five minutes after the restart the Tigers doubled their lead with Grosicki again the man on target.

Bowen brought the ball forward from very deep, beating Skuse just over the halfway line when it looked like Hull’s 21-goal top scorer had been dispossessed, before feeding Grosicki, who hit a low shot across Bialkowski and into the net off the inside of the post to claim his seventh of the season.

On 55 Town had a more than decent chance to get back on terms. Edwards picked up a loose Hull pass midway inside the Tigers half and found Judge, but the Irish international curled his shot wide.

The Blues threatened again in the 57th minute, a trademark clever Dozzell pass finding Jackson, who shot over from an angle to the right of goal.

Town continued to press and just after the hour mark Bree shot over from the right of the box. Seconds later, Quaner took over from Jackson, the German lining up on the left with Judge in the middle. On 63 Marshall was booked for time-wasting as the former Norwich man prepared to take a goalkick.

A minute later, Judge broke into the area on the left and sent in a low cross which Jordy de Wijs diverted only just past the near post.

Town had what looked a not too ambitious claim for a penalty in the 70th minute when Chalobah tried to take the ball past Todd Kane in the area and the ball appeared to strike his hand.

The Blues were continuing to take the game to Hull but without ever really convincing that they would grab the goal which would get them back in the game. The Tigers meanwhile were happy enough just to sit on their lead.

On 74 Idris El Mizouni was handed his home debut as a sub for Skuse, while the Tigers swapped the injured Reece Burke for Robbie McKenzie. Six minutes later De Wijs was yellow-carded for a foul.

In the 85th minute Bialkowski, largely a spectator since Hull’s second goal, was out quickly to claim at Bowen’s feet after a Hull break.

Town continued to huff and puff in the final minutes but without ever really looking like they would get the goal which would give them a foothold in the match. On the visitors swapped two-goal Grosicki for Evandro.

Sub El Mizouni hit a well-struck effort from the edge of the box which Marshall claimed comfortably on 88.

In injury time Pugh almost made it 3-0 when he curled a shot on to the post following a Hull break, then at the other end Quaner’s low shot was saved down to his right by Marshall.

Soon after, with the home support still singing loudly and getting behind their team, referee John Brooks’s whistle confirmed the Tigers’ victory and the extension of the Blues’ winless run to 12 matches.

The game was a familiar tale for Town, who had plenty of the ball and passed it around slickly at times but were unable to turn their possession into goals.

At the other end, Hull were given two goals out of nothing to claim their first away win of 2019 and once the Blues were two goals behind the visitors’ victory was never in any real doubt.

The Blues remain 13 points from safety at the bottom of the table with only seven left to play with a visit to 23rd-placed Bolton - who won 2-1 at QPR today to extend their lead over Town to eight points - their next fixture on Saturday.

Town: Bialkowski, Bree, Chambers (c), Nsiala, Kenlock, Skuse (El Mizouni 74), Chalobah, Nolan (Dozzell 18), Edwards, Judge, Jackson (Quaner 61). Unused: Gerken, Knudsen, Downes, Emmanuel.

Hull City: Marshall (c), Lichaj, De Wijs, Burke (McKenzie 74), Pugh, Groskicki (Evandro 87), Irvine, Kane, Batty, Bowen, Campbell (Martin 38). Unused: Long, Stewart, Milinkovic, McKenzie, Ridgewell. Referee: John Brooks (Leicestershire). Att: 15,720 (Hull: 485).

Photo: TWTD

ITFCsince73 added 19:54 - Mar 30 Robsonwark. Unfortunately the damage was done with the last contract extension for our worst ever captain. The recent extension has been given with the huge, huge damage done for all to see. Our worst ever season is being played out before our eyes. We reward the captain....but he is a right proper good bloke. So we have to go with that I'm afraid.
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Gcon added 20:00 - Mar 30 Sounds like Lambert might have had enough of Marcus Evans. I know I have. Oh look - Waghorn scored a hatrick today. Marcus Evans has killed my club. And it would appear that nobody really cares that much. Is it just easier to blame Chambers or Mick McCarthy still?
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ITFCsince73 added 20:03 - Mar 30 MM and Chambo the poorest signings the club ever made. We now try to pick up the pieces from there legacy. Hopefully reached as low as we go. Sad, sad time for the club.
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Dissboyitfc added 20:07 - Mar 30 There was one positive today, El Mizoumi, he looked real quality! Such a shame young Dozzel, didn't take his 60 mins to go for it, he showed glimpses of his undoubted quality! but thats all! Tonight is the worst i have ever felt over our team! Going to have a brandy for medicinal purposes!
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Cloddyseedbed added 20:31 - Mar 30 After the last few home games I thought we'd get a result today and was looking forward to the match. Well something has been going on behind the scenes as PL's post match interview has caused quite a stir. He's come out and basically told us he probably won't be here next season after all and ME will announce his plans shortly. Has ME told PL what the season ticket prices will be and PL is horrified? Has he said many of the best young players will need to be sold to pay the clubs operating costs? Has he said there will be absolutely no transfer kitty? I've always found PL truthful in what he says but today I question his post match appraisal of the game. Apart from before Hull scored we weren't too bad, but after that the players heads went down, there was no movement, no passion, no desire. Dozzell given yet another chance to prove himself let himself and the club down, so much praise has been heaped upon his shoulders and he is one of many of the younger players who think they really are good before they prove they really are good. His career could go downhill fast if his attitude doesn't change. If he wants a big money move he'll still need to prove himself. He's accomplished zilch so far. Nsiala for me was man of the match, has something to prove and tries his hardest, love his attitude. Kenlock too, but he still has things to brush up on, but he tries. Skuse and Chaloba together don't work, as does one up front. Unfortunately if we had 2 up front with Quaner and Jackson it would hardly trouble most Championship defences. Our attackers are poor, very poor, but PL had a hard task getting anyone in in the Jan transfer window. Lets face it we are crap up front, have been all season. Defensively why is Emmanuel not playing instead of Bree? Chambers now looks a spent force I'm afraid, easily turned, no pace and mistakes in him. Basically the team is still a shambles but whilst the players are seen to try and play good attacking football the crowd will get behind them. Today for me, players were lethargic, walking around, no movement and looked to be motivated not one bit. Something has changed in the last 2 weeks and I'd like to know what!

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planetblue_2011 added 20:34 - Mar 30 Is it that hard to score goals we have nothing up front, it's not good enough and that is why we are bottom. Hope we sort it out for league one next season. It's getting embarrassing such a poor strike force👎🏻
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Cakeman added 20:41 - Mar 30 Much doom and gloom on here tonight. I can fully understand the disappointment but in fairness aside from today we have played well for the past few games without much reward. It was always going to be a tall order once our arguably best defender Pennington was ruled out plus the missing Bishop in midfield. We were relegated long ago so hopefully we can try to stay positive to look ahead to next season. I know I am in the minority on here in trying to be positive but I don't want to go through the Summer months impersonating Victor Meldrew. We still have much to look forward to albeit in league one. I hope Lambert stays with us although his comments on Radio Suffolk when questioned about his future were a little worrying. Perhaps I read more into it than what was meant. PS does Bart suffer from double vision? Why can't he keep the ball on the pitch instead of annoyingly and unprofessionally kicking it out of play to his right hand side every time! We could do with another experienced keeper to add some much needed competition to both Bart and Gerken.

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ITFCsince73 added 20:55 - Mar 30 Cloddyseedbed. I agree with what your trying to say. But regarding Dozzell he doesn't know if he's starting, a sub, or out the 18 altogether. He needs a run at it, which he hasn't had. All your faults you see in Chambo was there when we handed over the new 2 year contract. He hasn't suddenly become poor, he's been poor since.....I can't remember when he was good, it's been that long.

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delias_cheesy_flaps added 20:57 - Mar 30 Captain Calamity being handed an extension IS the final nail in the coffin of my 43 years love affair with ITFC. Marcus Evans....you can rot in f*kin hell for what's transpired since taking over our club! I will still look at the results in the vain hope we win but I'm really past caring anymore. To recap....F*CK YOU MARCUS EVANS
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RobsonWark added 21:55 - Mar 30 Cloddyseedbed I think Marcus Evans has old Paul Lambert to play Luke Chambers every game next season that's why he doesn't want to be here. Would you want to manage or play in a team with Chambers as a centre half?
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RobsonWark added 21:58 - Mar 30 Cakeman I want to stay positive but how can anyone be when Chambers starts every week!
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Gcon added 22:45 - Mar 30 ITFCsince7.30pm 'MM the poorest signing this club has made." WTAF? With 'supporters' like you it's hardly surprising we are in such trouble.
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Dolphinblue added 00:02 - Mar 31 I have no idea what anyone is moaning about? All is well and Chambers is fantastic! Maybe its me.....
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Minneapolis_ITFC added 02:50 - Mar 31 One of the most depressing and uneventful seasons I've endured taking an interest in this club side - and there's been a few.. We're a third league team in everything but confirmed status. Seems there was some improvement in recent weeks but no victories with it that you can recall. Lambert gets his share of plaudits and recognition but is he really worthy of all the adulation it receives ? Nothing great or exceptional about the name or his tenure here from what I can ascertain. Seems a mystery why some feel compeled to blow fanfare up his ass week in week out when it's simply nothing not working for him here / results haven't improved. Guess I'm just looking at things from a different perspective. Simple math here : Marcus Evans goes by the wayside in any manner possible, bring in an owner that can invest and possesses a tangible interest in the team, and with it, a manager that can motivate players and create a winning formula. Get rid of the dead wood that are players that are regularly ineffective and bring in names that actually have a desire to succeed and see it as a privilege to be a part of the club set-up. If not, well no need to elaborate on the future ahead.

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bluemike1969 added 06:24 - Mar 31 Come on guys.... Stop calling Chambers hopeless..... Cos even hopeless ppl get it right occasionally, something this guy doesn't! This fella must be laughing all the way to the bank. Playing week in week out, totally inept of any skill or talent what so ever, 100% liability who wouldn't make the first 11 in a Sunday league team and we extend his contract. Chambers couldn't get round an inanimate object let alone a moving one so maybe we should call him the RMS titanic. We have become a total laughing stock and I have been resigned to watching YouTube videos of past successes in the late 70s, early 80s and also 90s. Even the John Duncan era wasn't as bad as this and that era was awful, but we never went down. Clear out the rubbish in the summer.and that includes Skuse and Chambers or make them chief car park controllers..... No wait..... Maybe not let Chambers be in charge cos it it goes wrong he will just blame everyone else. My god, we supporters accept it all with very little fuss. I have spoken with a number of Norwich supporters who really do feel sorry for us as we were once the pride of anglia but have dropped so low. I just want this season to end cos I've had enough of the Evans and Chambers dictatorship and P. R spin. Bored, bored, bored, bored, bored, bored!!!!!!

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blueboy1981 added 08:53 - Mar 31 CLARIFICATION and TRUTH required NOW - from both Owner, and Manager.
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blueboy1981 added 09:00 - Mar 31 This was a game that should have been totally winnable - no excuses for a totally inept performance, and effort, from far too many. When, if ever, are the likes of Dozzell ever going to step up to the plate. We talk good young superstars - but when are they going to start showing some of that so called enormous potential ?
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blueboy1981 added 09:04 - Mar 31 ........ get real some of you - the problems run far deeper than continually blaming Chambers and Skuse. In fact you do it so often you embarrass yourselves with such a fixation. If you think otherwise, you're deluded.
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Bert added 11:21 - Mar 31 What a miserable lot of posters on here. We weren't half as poor as some think we were. Perhaps some weren't at the game. We gave them two goals but we didn't put the ball in their net. That's what it amounted to. Far greater possession than the opposition, more goal attempts than them, more shots on goal than them, quality emerging from our youngsters, some slick passing and a crowd that remain on side. Without any decent strikers available or on the books we were going to struggle in this game but come on it was far far better than anything MM came up with, wasn't it ?

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ITFCsince73 added 13:16 - Mar 31 Gcon. I don't give a monkeys what you think. Or any other of your bcwywf brigade.
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ITFCsince73 added 13:37 - Mar 31 Bert. Take a look at the league table. It doesn't need me or any other poster to spell out just how bad things are. And by the way if we give 2 goals away, we then need to score 3. If we give 1 goal away, we need to score 2. That's how to win games of football. I was at the game, and once we give away the 1st, heads went down, game over. The 2 senior players on the pitch, one being the club captain, were again nowhere to be seen. They need to hold there heads in shame from this day forward. I just hope no young player looks up to those two in any shape or form. Not fit to wear the shirt. But it's worse than that, they run the club. Thanks MM, for leaving us these two jokers.

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blueboy1981 added 13:43 - Mar 31 ....... ITFCsince73 - you post some good stuff, however, you do yourself no favours by being so tunnel visioned in blaming Chambers specifically, and Skuse, for every problem at ITFC. Surely you should see the bigger picture - but, obviously you can't, or won't, for whatever reason.
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blueboy1981 added 13:49 - Mar 31 ....... can't believe that some of you are so small minded to keep blaming Chambers for everything - continually doing so gives us no hope for the future if that is all you see wrong with the Club. But you do - and probably always will ..... !!
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ITFCsince73 added 13:59 - Mar 31 Blueboy1981. Likewise. I blame Chambers, because he is the club captain. I blame Skuse, as he should lead by example. I don't blame them simply for their lack of any footballing skills. I blame the club for renewing Chambos contract. That's all the blame from yesterday out the way.
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ITFCsince73 added 14:11 - Mar 31 Blueboy81. I respect your views on Evans, but at the end of the day, he owns the club, and can spend his money any way he chooses. There's not a lot the fan base can do or moan about. What's on the pitch, wearing the club shirt is a different matter. The renewal of Chambos contract is a massive cock up from Evans though. We will not as a football club progress with Chambo leading it. Simple. To carry on as a guaranteed starter is just unthinkable. The new contract is a joke....for what??

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