"We're staying up, we’re staying up!" were just some of the chants bellowing from the sold-out away end (and my living room), as Hull City secured their place in the Championship next season, drawing 1-1 to Portsmouth. It was not a pleasant game as, after Portsmouth grabbed their equaliser, we looked shaken and, even though Luton were losing, were on the back foot for the remainder of the match–we really like to make it difficult and stressful.
I will keep this one short as I will be doing the final Where Tigers Walk podcast episode tomorrow and it will be easier to express my opinion on there–I will post on here once it is out–and plus, there is little to write about.
Selles made two alterations to the starting eleven, replacing Amrabat and Slater with Pedro and Crooks. That meant in a 4-2-3-1 formation, we lined up as follows: Pandur, in goal; McLoughlin, Hughes, Egan and Coyle holding the backline; Crooks and Puerta as the defensive midfielders; Gelhardt, Joseph and Kamara as the attacking trio; with Pedro leading the line.
From the off, we looked hungry and fought like a team who could not afford to lose the game. We took the lead in the 18th minute through a set piece (yes, you read that correctly). Puerta swung in a corner, which was flicked into the middle by Pedro, where Crooks fired it into the net. Brilliant to see. We just had to keep this up and we would be safe (Luton were losing 2-1 at this point).
But, the nerves kicked in towards the end of the half and we struggled to keep it together, allowing the hosts back into the game. Fortunately, they were not able to click into gear early enough, ensuring we headed into the break with the lead.
Pompey came out of the woods with more energy and focus, which caught us off guard and made us more wary. Disaster struck in the 55th minute when they drew level. A quick counterattack allowed Pack, from the halfway point, to make a long pass through to Saydee on the edge of the box, which sailed past all men in amber. He let it run in front of him, before shooting first time from the right side of the box into the bottom right corner.
Despite losing our flow in the game, we were able to calm down slightly as the minutes ticked by as Luton were trailing by four goals, meaning our draw meant we were on the same points, but we had the better goal difference. There was a slight worry at the 85th minute, when they got two goals back, but time ran out in both games and we were officially safe.
We should not have been in this situation in the first place. The club has been run very poorly throughout the season, prompting criticism and many rumours circulating around social media. Yes, Acun has turned our club around regarding attracting the fans, but his recent mistakes have nearly cost us. This time last season we were disappointed finishing one point from the playoffs. Then we all thought we would do it this season, but he decided to sack the manager because he wanted ‘heart-attack’ football. He brought in a clown, who had little experience in English football and had no time for the fans, putting us in a relegation scrap. Selles, whilst he has made some improvements, came in and saved us by the skin of our teeth. But, he is not the man for what we want. Acun has one more chance at making amends for his mistakes and if we are still stuck in the same position next season, perhaps it is time he thought about Fenerbahce and moved on. We deserve better as a club and if he cannot fulfil our wishes, then he will not be welcomed here–after all, it took a few poor games to call for his head. Could you imagine what the fans will be like after one more season of struggle?
At least we are not in League One and have another punt at the Championship. Thanks for reading throughout the season (apologies for some weeks without content) and we will be back next season!
