The Tigers ended their winless run with a big home success
Oliver McBurnie of Hull City celebrates his goal against Derby
A thrilling Championship encounter finished with Hull City beating Derby County 4-2 to claim one of their most important wins of the season.
City led after just nine minutes when Amir Hadziahmetovic’s corner went in off ex-Tigers man Callum Elder, but that lead was wiped out when Craig Forsyth pounced when Ivor Pandur could only push out Lewis Travis’ shot.
Oli McBurnie’s wonderful strike made it 2-1 before the break, but that lead lasted just three minutes when Sammie Szmodics slotted in after the lively Patrick Agyemang had forced Pandur to push a shot into his path.
As he so often has this season, McBurnie turned provider for John Egan to score a fine goal and make it 3-2 with 15 minutes of an absorbing contest remaining. Off the bench came Lewis Koumas to fire in a stunning volley and give the hosts some breathing space and kill it off.
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Here’s how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players at the MKM Stadium on Tuesday night…
Ivor Pandur: Flapped at the cross which led to the goal, before pushing a shot out to Forsyth to turn in the leveller. Made a great save to deny Agyemang at 2-1, only to be beaten again moments later. Made two big saves in the second half. 7/10
Ryan Giles: Started really well, exchanging passes with Millar in a bid to carve out some good openings. A cruel end to his night when his hamstring went early in the second. Such a cruel blow to him, and City. 6/10
Charlie Hughes: A welcome return for the influential defender, but won’t have enjoyed the first half with his side at sixes and sevens. More comfotable in the second, and made a huge block after Giles’ hamstring went. 7/10
John Egan: Beaten by Agyemang inside the box and luckily, the shot was wild. His nightmare first half continued against Agyemang. Improved in the second half and scored an absolute belter. 7.5/10
Lewie Coyle: Like Egan, had a nightmare first half against the battering Ram that was Patrick Agyemang. Much, much better in the second half and did a fine job at left-back after Giles went off. 7/10
Regan Slater: Scrapped hard in the opening exchanges alongside Amir but went to another level in the second half. Was excellent. 8/10
Amir Hadziahmetovic: Found the corner which led to the opening goal and that capped a really good first half from the Bosnian international, aside from his slow amble for the second goal which was frustrating. Bossed it second half. 8/10
Kyle Joseph: His 50th appearance for the Tigers and showed plenty of willingness down the right, but couldn’t really get involved, and found it tough to get back and support Coyle. Great flick on for Koumas to run on and score. Graft all night. 7/10
Joe Gelhardt: Got himself stuck in from the central position, and fashioned the assist for McBurnie’s well-taken goal. Kept at it all night. 7/10
Liam Millar: Showed flashes of danger in the opening half, when City could get him involved. Had a couple of good openings but failed to provide a quality delivery from out wide. Never stopped, though. 7/10
Oli McBurnie: Always a threat. Wonderful piece of skill and movement to carve out and finish the second goal. Got absolutely nothing from a poor referee on the night. Ran himself into the ground and deserved his standing ovation. 9/10
Subs:
Cody Drameh (for Giles 54): Slotted in at right-back and did a sterling job after Giles went off. 7/10
Lewis Koumas (for Millar 82): What a goal to put the seal on a fine home victory, well-taken volley from Joseph’s flick to kill it off. 7.5/10
Paddy McNair (for Gelhardt 82): Came on to mark Carlton Morris and though he lost the first header, did what he had to do. 6/10
Kieran Dowell (for McBurnie 89): On for the final seconds against his old club, and more minutes in the tank. 6/10
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