Hull 4-2 Derby

Match Report

That’s more like it. Getting mauled one day, mauling the next. Many were certain that we would struggle in this playoff clash against Derby, who came into this game three points off the top six. We have had a poor record against the Rams in recent years, with our last win coming against them in 2019. But, by some miracle, we managed to put four past them and win it late on with goals coming from Egan and Koumas. It was one of our more entertaining and exciting matches at home this season, as it was end to end and it could have gone either way. Both sides were poor defensively, but dangerous up-front. It was all down to who took their chances; we won in that department.

Unfortunately, I had a sickness bug the night before and could not make it to the game, but managed to stay up and watch it on TV. Originally, I did not mind missing this as our form recently has been dire, but in typical City fashion, we won the one game I missed, making me feel like I should have pushed through it and turned up. The atmosphere did appear to be lacking last night, with many empty seats in the family stands. The away section was packed, who were all mocking us for all the empty seats. They do have a point, as it was a huge game, but if you have watched us these past few games, you can understand why people did not turn up. Nonetheless, those who turned up were rewarded with a spectacle.

The gaffer made two changes to the starting eleven who started against QPR on Saturday: Hughes and Joseph in for McNair and Hirakawa. That meant in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we lined up as follows: Pandur in goal; Coyle, Egan, Hughes and Giles holding the fort; Amir and Slater as the defensive midfielders; Joseph, Gelhardt and Millar as the attacking trio; and McBurnie leading the line. Hirakawa seems to have picked up a nasty knock, which will see him out for a while, however, we had Crooks back on the bench.

We started off well in the opening 10 minutes, as we managed to take an early lead after forcing a corner in the 9th minute from some strong attacking football. Amir was the man behind the ball at the left corner and he whipped a perfectly-weighted ball into the box, which was helped into the back of the net by their own player, Elder (formally of this parish). We seemed to have a hold on the game after this, as the away team struggled to settle.

But, they started to get themselves into the game, picking up some rhythm and equalising in the 17th minute. They had a corner themselves, and Elder’s deep cross missed everyone in the box and was picked up on the edge of the box. It was recycled into the box by Travis who seemed to put it towards the far corner, which forced a save from Pandur. However, the follow-up was tucked away by a well-positioned Forsyth. Poor defending from us, as those in black and amber around him seemed to stand still.

Derby dominated the game after this and seemed more likely to score again, but they were not clinical enough in front of goal, and this proved costly in the 39th minute. They were playing it out from the back, but Elder’s misplaced pass was collected by Gelhardt, who was quick to spot McBurnie in the box. He expertly turned his man inside out, and his strike made the net ripple.

Alas, our celebrations were cut short three minutes later as Derby once again pulled themselves back into the game. This time, they worked it well on the right hand side of the box, and Agyemang (their star player, who caused problems all game) put a low ball across into the box. Pandur decided to come out and parry it, but like their first goal, the rebound came out to Szmodics, who slotted it into an open net. This was the last action of an eventful first half.

The second period was slower than the first, but Derby certainly had control over the game, and should have gone clear early on. They saw an acrobatic kick from Agyemang fire just over the post. Clark was through on goal, but Pandur made himself big and snuffed out the danger. Then, moments after he was substituted on, Carlton Morris saw his effort fire wide of the post from close range. These missed chances proved to be costly at the end of the match.

In the 75th minute, we had an attack on the left hand side. Small intricate passes around the box between Slater and Millar opened up space for McBurnie to receive the ball and pass it to Egan. Their defenders were slow to react and Egan was able to slot the ball under the keeper and into the back of the net before they could close him down. Pandemonium in the stand behind the goal. They were up on their feet moments later. A ball was played over the their backline, and it rebounded off the back of Clarke, who seemed to be unaware of his surroundings, and into the path of Koumas. With just the keeper to beat, he took it down neatly and fired it into the top-right corner of the net. The vital three points were secured.

So, an unexpected win, but one that we desperately needed. The performance overall was much stronger than previous games, and we seemed to have gelled more last night. I think benching the January signings and bringing them on late really helped, as they haven’t really settled yet, and have been quite disruptive recently. There is still a bit to work on, but we need to do it quickly as we have a tricky run of games coming up–Ipswich, Millwall and Wrexham. But, before that, we have an away trip to Portsmouth next Saturday. They sit in 19th-place, meaning we have to take something from it. But, as is our wont, we will get battered, but then win our next three tricky games afterwards. Watch this space…