Hull City 4 (1) Scarborough 0 (0)
Scorers - (Hull City) Alexander, Greaves, Whitmore, Rowe
Attendance - 4,909
Bookings - None
Sendings Off - None
(First Half)
Musselwhite, Price, Goodison, Petty, Edwards, Mann, Lee, Johnsson, Williams, Alexander, Dudfield
(Second Half)
Glennon, Holt, Mohan, Glennon, Morley, Beresford, Philpott, Whitmore, Matthews, Rowe, Whitmore
City made a winning start to their pre-season campaign against Scarborough with a 4-0 victory. A good performance was capped by goals from Gary Alexander, Mark Greaves, Theodore Whitmore and Rodney Rowe. No Tigers player was poor, and both teams fielded (one in each half as you'll have gathered) seemed motivated and eager to make an impression on boss Brian Little at the first opportunity.
City's first line-up of the night faced a Scarborough's strongest line-up and attacked the North stand goal behind which were around 20-30 supporters from the seaside town. Considering a 2-0 loss to nearby Bridlingtin Town 2 days earlier, this low turnout was probably unsurprising.
Gary Alexander opened the scoring after around 15 minutes. A throw in was flicked on by Julian Johnsson and Alexander fired home from inside the area. It was a good finish, and we can only hope of more for the rest of the season! He certainly looks an exciting prospect. Moments later, his strike partner Lawrie Dudfield had an easy chance to also score on his debut, but hit the ball at the sole defender who was covering the line when presented with an otherwise open goal.
The rest of the half petered out, with Ryan Williams (who received probably the biggest ovation of the night) not at his best, but still charging down the right flank at any opportunity. Johnsson and David Lee meanwhile looked a competent duo in Midfield, both impressing with their work rate especially. Lee also took the free-kicks, and used them well.
The team changed in the second half completely. Unfortunately Scarborough did not have that luxury, and it was to their disadvantage in the later stages.
Mark Greaves put City 2-0 up shortly after the break with a great diving header at the back post from a Lee Philpott cross. And Theo Whitmore made it 3 when he finished a 1-on-1 by rounding the keeper and tapping the ball in to the net. He later was faced with another 1-on-1, but this time the impressive Boro Number 1 managed to grasp the ball as Theo again attempted to round him.
Rodney Rowe rounded off the scoring as the visitors tired with a well placed header from aa pin-point Ben Morley cross, and the game drew to a close. Scarborough did have one chance during the second half, however, as City's offside trap failed and Mick Morrell found himself through on goal. Matt Glennon covered the angle well, and Morrell hit the ball wide to the despair of the tiny Boro throng who were denied even 1 goal.
It was as Brian Little said a practise match, but the performances were encouraging, and it was nice to see some goals! Hopefully a sign of things to come... |
