The Tigers responded to successive defeats with a crucial success at play-off rivals Wrexham in midweek
Joe Gelhardt celebrates his wonderful free-kick at Wrexham(Image: Phil Oldham/Shutterstock)
Former EFL striker Sam Parkin believes Hull City would be a match for anyone, should the Tigers go on and secure a play-off place in the remaining nine games.
City deservedly beat Wrexham at The Racecourse on Tuesday night to clock up their tenth away win of the season so far, thanks to fine goals from Joe Gelhardt and Lewis Koumas.
That result, coupled with that of their rivals, means City have a nine-point cushion to the chasing pack outside the top six, as they now turn attention to games at West Brom on Saturday and then already relegated Sheffield Wednesday in their final outing before the international break next weekend.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest Hull City news and analysis on our Hull Live FB page
Some onlookers have expected the Tigers’ impressive form to fall away at some point, but they’ve never lost more than two games in a row all season and continue to impress. Parkin feels that will continue.
“I think it’s the right result. They were the better side on the night. I thought they were terrific for 70 minutes and deserved their victory, and they just march on. A couple of relatively in-context kind-looking fixtures to look forward to,” Parkin said on Sky Sports.
“I’m sure West Bromwich Albion next time out are gonna rally under the interim manager, and then Sheffield Wednesday at home, you’d expect them to take care of business.
“Another great night for them on the road. The story is of the visitors and Joe Gelhardt and Lewis Koumas in particular, who were a constant threat to the Wrexham back line.
“So if anyone thought Hull City were going to go away, you’ll have to think again. It’s gone on too long now. They’re having a phenomenal season.”
Since losing 4-1 at home to Middlesbrough in early December, Sergej Jakirovic’s side have been much more defensively sound, especially on the road, but at home, Parkin feels the Tigers need to find a little more consistency with three defeats in their last four on home soil.
“There was definitely a switch around about Christmas time when they’ve been involved in a lot of tight games away from home, a lot more clean sheets,” he continued.
“You can see from the way the back three command, the way that they lead, the way they defend, ultimately, they’re not going to concede too many on the road. It’s getting that balance right because at home, they have just struggled for that consistency encapsulated at the weekend against Millwall, so maybe that’s something that they need to improve.
“Lost to QPR and lost to Bristol City recently in front of their home supporters as well. On the road, almost perfect. It’s just ironing out a few deficiencies in front of their home fans. They are certainly gonna be a match for anyone come the play-offs, should they make it.”
Here at Hull Live, we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group.
You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day’s biggest stories.