Hull City 3 (0) Kilmarnock 1 (0)
Scorers - (Hull City) - Whitmore 2, Alexander
Scorers - (Kilmarnock) - Di Giacomo
Attendance - 3,600
Bookings - None
Sendings Off - None
(1st Half)
Glennon, Price, Goodison, Whittle, Edwards, Mann, Philpott (Kerr), Lee, Matthews, Dudfield, Rowe
(2nd Half)
Musselwhite, Petty, Mohan, Bloomer, Morley, Beresford, Johnsson, Kerr (Greaves), Williams, Whitmore, Alexander
Match Report
City relied on a marvellous second half performance to earn a great 3-1 win against Kilmarnock infront of their lowest friendly crowd to date at Boothferry Park. A shame others did not turn up, as they missed a treat...
Practically two separate teams played in each half. Justin Whittle and Scott Kerr both made appearances and Whittle again showed why he is such a crowd favourite among the Tigers fans. He looked as solid as ever, despite a recent groin injury which is still bothering him.
The first half saw Killie generally on top, with the first City side making too many mistakes whilst having posession of the ball. However, with Whittle and Ian Goodison in commanding form at the back, and Matt Glennon looking at ease in goal, the visitors did not look at all like scoring in the opening 45 minutes. Rob Matthews did come close for the Tigers with a shot wide from the edge of the area, but the Kilmarnock back-line also played well, and made life difficult for Rodney Rowe and Lawrie Dudfield. Rowe manged slightly better, with Dudfield seemingly out of luck on the night, as nothing ran for him.
Scott Kerr replaced Lee Philpott after 30 minutes; this was the only Tigers substitution of the half.
A new 11 (well 10, Kerr stayed on) came out for the second half and immediately looked dangerous when attacking the Killie goal. Theodore Whitmore was again given a chance up front, and made one of his finest displays for the club, not once wasting the ball in the whole half.
Kerr was replaced by Greaves in the only change for City during the second 45 minutes.
After a spell of pressure, City went ahead with a fantastic goal. Whitmore passed the ball out wide to Beresford, who fed Ben Petty down the right. He held the ball up and played it back to the
winger, who delivered a great cross, finding Theo. The Jamaican star controlled the ball well, and hit a well placed shot past the keeper from 7 yards. It was a brilliant move. Let's hope it's a sign of things to come!
City's joy was short-lived however,as the visitors equalized some 10 minutes later. A good through ball released the Killie winger, who delivered a pin-point cross for the unmarked Di Giacomo to head home. It was a rare defensive lapse which higher placed opposition will always capitalise on.
Gary Alexander had the chance to put the Tigers back ahead from the penalty spot, but saw his shot well saved. He would make amends later...
Theodore Whitmore continued to spray the ball around with ease in midfield, and grabbed another goal to restore City's advantage. Ryan Williams did well on the right and delivered a great cross to Theo, who again made no mistake from inside the area. He really must be making Little and Pearson think twice about selling him on this evidence.
The scoring was not finished there though. As I previously said, Gary Alexander made amends for his penalty miss by grabbing his third goal in four games. He met a through ball by Julian Johnsson and placed the ball past the advancing keeper from the edge of the area. A very nicely taken goal, again showing Alexander's predatory instinct which will be hopefully so helpful this season.
There was however time for a Kilmarnock player to get sent off for 2 reckless challenges on Beresford as he ran down the right flank and raced in to the area. I think the ref actually "suggested" he should be subsitituted, but with so little time reamining no replacement was sent on.
So a much improved second half performance, with Whitmore, Williams, Beresford, Petty and Johnsson particularly impressive. Theo was amazing, passing and controlling the ball with ease and precision, while Alexander showed his finishing quality and ability to hold up the ball so well. The two wingers are really looking the business, and played a major part in two of the goals. Beresford was also helped by Petty - They linked up brilliantly and the former Stoke man looked strong and decisive at the back. Finally, Johnsson was a commanding figure in midfield, working hard and passing the ball about well, including setting up the final goal. These 5 are joined by Justin Whittle and Ian Goodison, who resumed their centre back partnership as though they had not had a gap in playing together. They surely must be the pairing which Little picks for the Exeter game.
So a very entertaining game, with now even more reason to be hopeful for the upcoming season! The players are looking very impressive, and have showed what they are capable of. Let's hope they continue to produce quality performances like they have in the most part so far. Onwards and Upwards!
Stuff...
About 30 Kilmarnock supporters made the trip to good old Hull, kudos to them and indeed Kilmarnock for taking the game seriously and respecting us. Are you watching Preston?
Only 3,600 attendance? Slightly diappointing, to Adam Pearson too I'm sure. A pity, as they did indeed miss the best 45 minutes of the pre-season so far. |
