North Ferriby United 0 (0) Hull City 3 (1)
Scorers - (Hull City) Williams, Alexander, Dudfield (Pen)
Attendance - 1,020
Bookings - None
Sendings Off - None
Team - Musselwhite, Philpott, Bloomer, Mohan, Morley, Beresford, Kerr (Peat), Lee, Williams, Dudfield, Alexander (Burton)
The Tigers continued their unbeaten pre-season with a comfortable 3-0 win against North Ferriby. The goals came from Ryan Williams, Gary Alexander and a penalty from Lawrie Dudfield. Also, encouragingly for the hosts, there was a crowd of over 1,000 on hand to see the match.
A strong City team was on hand for this clash for the Billy Bly Memorial Trophy. For the first time, the strike partnership of Alexander and Dudfield were complemented by Williams and David Beresford on the wings. It was interesting to see how they linked together, and gladly, well was the answer...
This was evident after only 5 minutes when Dudfield played a great through ball to Williams who lobbed the ball perfectly over the advancing Ferriby keeper Paul Sharp. It was a very well-taken goal and one which will likely help the wingers confidence.
During the rest of the half, City created a few half chances, including Scott Kerr just failing to meet a cross while un-marked, while Adam Lowthorpe made a great run in to the box as part of a nice Ferriby move, but lost out before getting chance to shoot. Williams and Beresford were very impressive down the flanks, and again the front 2 were great, linking well together and holding the ball up well. Rob Dewhurst was however very proficient in the air throughout the game. He hasn't changed much except fitness wise since his Tigers days.
Kevan Smith had some harsh words with the players after half time. He felt they had become flat after scoring the opener. Their reaction was positive though. Nathan Peat replaced Scott Kerr at half time, as the former Bradofrd midfielder's back was becoming sore due to his recent problems with it. Peat slotted in at left back while Lee Philpott moved in to the centre of midfield.
Gary Alexander doubled the lead around 15 minutes in to the half when he fired home from a low Ryan Williams cross on the left. The winger infact covered both flanks many times in the game. The finish was accurate from Alexander; straight in to the top corner. He looks to be the batural goalscorer - Predator-like - that we have been waiting for for years.
Lawrie Dudfield then broke his duck with a cool penalty. A neat move culminated in Williams being brought down as he dribbled in to the area, and the Tigers' record signing made no mistake from the spot.
That spelled the end of the goalscoring action - However of note, Alexander went off with a badly blistered heel. Also of note, Andy Holt is apparently has picked up a toe injury. The extent of the injury is unknown, but he did not play at either Goole or Ferriby today.
Later on, Dudfield hit the post after darting in to the area, David Beresford was denied by a super save from Sharp, and a Ferriby player had a fine shot rebound of the crossbar. But City were on top, playing good football, as they did throughout the match. It was pleasing to see the pasing and movement being so improved over last season, even against a non-league side. |
