11 February 2023

Stoke and in-form Hull play out goalless stalemate

11 February 2023

Hull’s resurgence under Liam Rosenior continued as they earned a hard-fought point in a goalless draw at Stoke.

The in-form Tigers, backed by 2,520 travelling supporters, have now lost just two of their 13 league games since Rosenior took charge.

Aaron Connolly enjoyed the two best chances, but the Brighton loanee failed to add to his two goals since a January move.

Teenager Emre Tezgel almost snatched a late winner for the Potters, but Alex Neil’s side saw their poor league form continue, with one win in seven outings.

Neil, whose first win as Stoke boss came in the reverse fixture in September, handed a first start to January recruit Ki-Jana Hoever.

The on-loan Wolves youngster was influential in a bright start and the Potters nearly made their early dominance count.

A determined Will Smallbone run ended with the midfielder firing a curling effort goalwards, but his strike dropped just wide of the far post.

The visitors responded positively with Oscar Estupinan going close to adding to his tally of 12 league goals but Matija Sarkic made a smart save.

Sarkic – another Wolves loanee – then kept out a Greg Docherty header from the resulting corner as the first half burst into life.

Striker Tyrese Campbell nearly handed Stoke the advantage from a quick free-kick, but a strong hand from Matt Ingram kept the game goalless.

Hull finished the opening period stronger with Ozan Tufan twice thwarted; first by a last-gasp Morgan Fox block and then by another Sarkic stop.

New recruit Connolly had the opportunity of the half when he cut inside and shot, but his curling effort veered agonisingly wide.

The Tigers’ dominance was not swayed by the interval and the Republic of Ireland youngster spurned another glorious chance when he scooped over from close range.

Potters boss Neil attempted to rouse a response from his side with the introduction of Nick Powell and Jacob Brown, and the duo almost made an immediate impact.

However, Scotland international Brown, who had scored three goals in five games leading into the fixture, failed to connect cleanly from a dangerous position.

Hull substitute Ryan Longman then advanced forward promisingly but dragged his shot wide as a low-quality fixture slumped to a disappointing end.

In the process, Rosenior’s side recorded a third successive league clean sheet for the first time since January 2022.

Hull’s wait for a league victory at Stoke stretches to 11 matches, with their last win in the Potteries coming in 2006.

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