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Hull City 2-1 Stoke City
Match Reports, 16:12, November 8, 2009 ,
Hull hit an injury time winner against 10-man Stoke to lift some of the pressure on boss Phil Brown.
Substitute Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink pounced on a Thomas Sorensen goalkeeping error with three minutes left, giving Hull their third and most important win of the season. Sorensen should have done better when he spilled a Jimmy Bullard long-range effort, prompting wild celebrations at the KC Stadium.
A Hull win seemed unlikely for much of a scrappy match that was inevitably short on quality given the pressure faced by the home side. Stoke soaked up most of the Tigers' pressure with ease and were content to play on the break, knowing the hosts were desperate for the three points.
The excellent Matthew Etherington gave the visitors a half-time lead in this fashion, breaking quickly on 29 minutes to rifle home a stinging shot after some poor Hull defending. The Tigers could not translate their dominance into goals, thanks largely to a reluctance to shoot when in dangerous areas.
The introduction of Nick Barmby early in the second half provided some extra creativity in a match that only came to life in the latter stages. Seyi Olofinjana's superb 25-yard curling shot on 62 minutes against his former club proved the turning point.
Stoke were to pay the price for a lack of intent. Although Ryan Shawcross hit the bar with a looping header, Hull were more eager to go for the win, especially after Abdoulaye Faye saw red on 87 minutes for a second bookable offence. The Tigers left it late, but Vennegoor of Hesselink's goal could prove vital, especially for Phil Brown.