Hull City 0-1 Derby County

Hull City slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Derby County at the MKM Stadium on Wednesday night. The only goal of the game came just before the hour mark as Sam Baldock finished from close range.

There were two enforced changes to the starting eleven following the weekend defeat to Queens Park Rangers. Randell Williams and Matt Smith came in to make their first league starts in black and amber, replacing the injured Ryan Longman and the suspended Matt Smith. Tom Huddlestone marked his return to the Club by taking a place on the bench, while his former Tigers team-mate, Curtis Davies, captained the visitors who also had another ex-Tiger, Liam Rosenior, amongst their backroom staff.

Huddlestone was given a warm reception from both sets of fans when his name was announced over the tannoy ahead of kick-off, while on the pitch Williams was earning the applause with a couple of lively runs down the right during the opening minutes.

The home side had started with a much quicker tempo than their previous outings this season, although the offside flag proved a source of frustration with Josh Magennis and Keane Lewis-Potter falling victim.

Kamil Jozwiak fired a low shot wide at the end of Derby’s first real attack of note before Matt Ingram made a routine save from Louie Sibley.

Derby were getting on top and should have been in front when Jozwiak cut inside to find himself one-on-one with Ingram, but he could only fire his shot against the upright.

Ingram then denied Ravel Morrison when the Derby man found himself on the end of a quick counter-attack before the home side responded as Greg Docherty dragged a shot wide from 15 yards.

Baldock saw an effort saved by Ingram after the new Derby signing had got goal side of Alfie Jones, and the game would remain goalless at the break.

A quiet start to the second half was broken in the 57th minute as Derby took the lead. Lee Buchanan’s low shot wasn’t gathered by Ingram and Baldock nipped in to put the loose ball inside the far post.

Docherty brought a save out of visiting goalkeeper Kelle Roos with a low drive from the edge of the box, but there was soon danger at the other end when Derby were awarded a free-kick right on the edge of the area following Alfie Jones’ foul on Baldock for which he was booked. Morrison’s set-piece was blocked by the wall.

A double substitution saw Huddlestone enter the action in place of Smallwood, while there was a first senior league appearance for youngster Will Jarvis as he replaced Williams. A third change followed as Tom Eaves replaced Matt Smith.

Jarvis saw an effort deflected wide in the closing minutes as Derby held on for the three points.

Report by: Tom Haymes of Hull City OSC.

Hull City: Matt Ingram; Lewie Coyle, Alfie Jones, Jacob Greaves, Callum Elder; Richie Smallwood (C) (Tom Huddlestone 73), Greg Docherty, Matt Smith (Tom Eaves 78); Randell Williams (Will Jarvis 73), Josh Magennis, Keane Lewis-Potter.
Subs Not Used: Nathan Baxter, Josh Emmanuel, Andy Cannon, Di’Shon Bernard.

Derby County: Kelle Roos, Nathan Byrne, Graeme Shinnie, Phil Jagielka, Kamil Jozwiak, Max Bird, Sam Baldock (Jack Stretton 73), Ravel Morrison (Richard Stearman 84), Louie Sibley, Lee Buchanan (Craig Forsyth 61), Curtis Davies.
Subs Not Used: Ryan Allsop, Louie Watson, Isaac Hutchinson, Dylan Williams.

Referee: Mr D. Whitestone.

Attendance: 10,451