The Tigers scored in the final seconds in South Wales to end their losing run
A 97th-minute goal from John Egan rescued a deserved point snatched from the jaws of victory for Hull City at Swansea City, as they twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw.
Zan Vipotnik’s fine turn and finish had the hosts a goal in front five minutes before the break after some poor defending in the build-up, but the visitors were not behind for long when Ryan Giles’ pinpoint cross was met by Oli McBurnie to clip in the equaliser and ensure it was level at the break.
City started the second half well, but yet more terrible defending from one of their attacks saw them fall behind when Zeidane Inoussa crossed to the unmarked Ronald to poke past Ivor Pandur and restore the hosts’ lead, having been left in acres of space in front of the goal.
Sergej Jakirovic’s side were value for a point, just as it looked like they’d be heading back to England with a third straight defeat in a row, until Egan slammed in from close range after Regan Slater’s volley was blocked.
The boss made three changes from the side beaten 4-2 at Bristol City two weeks ago, with skipper Lewie Coyle handed a first start of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up in pre-season. There was a debut for Amir Hadziahmetovic, fresh from seeing his move from Besiktas finally confirmed on deadline day, while Kyle Joseph was rewarded for his goal at Ashton Gate with a start against his former club in place of Joel Ndala.
Fellow deadline day arrival Darko Gyabi was named on the bench, where there was a first appearance in a matchday squad for summer signing Enis Destan, along with the returning Akin Famewo.
Perhaps, unsurprisingly, the hosts were the dominant force in the opening quarter of an hour with a flurry of early corners which caused a degree of concern inside the Tigers box, without troubling Pandur.
At the other end, City were gradually finding their feet and created an opening when Giles whipped in a teasing cross from the left onto the head of McBurnie, who, under pressure from Swans skipper Ben Cabango, could only flick wide.
A dull first period looked like heading towards a goalless conclusion until Vipotnik spun Hughes inside the box and fired low into the bottom corner to give the hosts a lead the contest barely deserved.
Just as the home fans were beginning to head for their half-time cakes, the Tigers were level when Hadziahmetovic swept it out to Giles and his superb cross found McBurnie at the near post to clip in a clever finish over goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. The tale of two number nines on the stroke of the break, and two very good finishes to light up an otherwise tepid encounter.
While the hosts were furious at play being allowed to continue with a man down inside the Tigers’ half, City played on and were inches away from taking the lead when Coyle’s fine cross was met by the head of Gelhardt, who saw his header brilliantly saved with one hand by Vigouroux.
Former Tiger Tymon was then booked for a foul on Gelhardt as the temperature began to rise, moments after referee Webb said Hughes’ strong challenge was fair, much to the annoyance of the hosts.
City were on the attack and looking like the side capable of going in front, and then Lundstram missed a challenge in the middle of the park on Malick Yalcouye and after a couple of chances to clear, the ball was played into Ronald in oceans of space 12 yards out to prod past Pandur, with both Hughes and Joseph watching.
Just after the hour, Mohamed Belloumi and Regan Slater came on for Akintola and Hadziahmetovic, while Adam Idah and Jisung Eom were on for Swansea, replacing Inoussa and Vipotnik. Liam Cullen’s arrival followed shortly after, replacing the tidy Yalcouye with 20 minutes to go moments after McBurnie had turned and blazed over under pressure.
Just as the clock ticked past 80 minutes, Belloumi’s goalbound effort was brilliantly saved low down at his near post by Vigouroux, his second terrific stop to deny the Tigers.
City should have been level moments later when Ndala freed Belloumi and on the overlap, he fed Coyle to roll an enticing ball across the face of goal but neither Joseph nor McBurnie could connect and poke home.
Enis Destan and Darko Gyabi were on for their debuts with six to play, replacing Joseph and Lundstram, and almost straight away, Destan headed Giles’ cross at the goalkeeper.
Hughes was booked for an attempted foul in the final knockings of the contest, with the Tigers pushing hard for a point. Egan was brilliantly denied by Cabango’s goal-saving block, but he wasn’t to be denied with seven of seven added minutes on the clock when he turned in from close range after Slater’s volley was blocked, their incessant pressure finally paying off.
This was a deserved point for the away side who showed great character and determination, though they’ll rue the manner of the two goals conceded, but the losing run has been ended and that’s hugely important.
Swansea City: Vigouroux; Key, Cabango (c), Burgess, Tymon; Franco, Stamenic; Ronald, Galbraith, Inoussa; Vipotnik. Subs: Fisher, Widell, Eom, Samuels-Smith, Cullen, Benson, Casey, Idah, S.Parker
Hull City: Pandur, Giles, Hughes, Egan, Coyle (c), Hadziahmetovic, Lundstram, Joseph, Gelhardt, Akintola, McBurnie. Subs: Phillips, Belloumi, Drameh, Ndala, Famewo, Gyabi, Slater, Destan, Palmer
Referee: David Webb
Attendance: 15,152
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