Missed opportunitues come back to haunt Hull City as they draw a blank at Blackpool

Hull City fell to their second consecutive defeat as they started the new year in frustrating fashion going down 2-0 to Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.

Having carved out several clear cut chances and registering 14 shots on goal, the Tigers were left frustrated as they rued a number of missed opportunities that could have seen them take away all three points rather than reflecting on a loss.

A combination of some sloppy finishing and heroics from Blackpool keeper Dan Grimshaw kept the Tigers at bay as Gary Madine’s 31st-minute penalty was enough to secure the win for the Seasiders after Jacob Greaves was adjudged to have brought down the impressive Josh Bowler.

Blackpool’s goal was certainly against the run of play in a half in which City had dominated with the ball. But once again, the lack of a cutting edge up top cost the Tigers dearly.

George Honeyman almost opened the scoring from close range following a poor clearance from Grimshaw.

Still, the Seasiders keeper did well to recover, keeping the Tigers midfielder effort out, but in reality, he should have been given no chance at all.

City had been slick in much of their open play, and clearly, they are a side that has grown in confidence since going on a run of wins before the festive campaign. However, with Grant McCann’s belief that his teams will take games to the opposition, City were always vulnerable on the counter.

Josh Bowler, a former City player and rumoured target of Nottingham Forest, showed his ability on the ball as he moved infield from the right-hand side to test the visitors.

It was Bowler who played a pivotal role in the deciding goal. Receiving the ball on the touchline, the Blackpool winger burst into the City box, with Jacob Greaves in close attention.

As Greaves went to ground, the winger was adjudged to have been upended by the young Tigers defender, much to his frustration. At first glance, it appeared Greaves might have got something on the ball, but on second viewing, contact was made with Bowler first.

Gary Madine stepped up to smash the ball home from the resulting penalty kick, and at the point in proceedings, it was against the run of play.

“The goal was disappointing. We prepped all week on Josh Bowler and we knew he’s going to want to come inside on his left foot, and we didn’t get it right – we let him come into the box.

“We shouldn’t have let it get to that stage. Is it a penalty? It’s 50-50 but we didn’t get the rub of the green on it.” – Grant McCann

City not to be deterred continued to build and should have been level before the break.

Richie Smallwood headed narrowly past the far post from George Honeyman’s corner, and Tyler Smith should have brought the scores level on the break.

Having been picked out by a superb pass from Sean McLoughlin out from defence, Smith span away from his marker to bear down on goal.

As the ball looked to have bounced perfectly into his path for a volleyed finish, the striker got his angles all wrong and sliced the ball horribly into the crowd.

City couldn’t find any real rhythm in the second half with Blackpool enjoying the lions share of the play, but they rallied late on, with the charge led by the impressive Greg Docherty.

Tom Eaves flashed an effort just wide of the post before Tyler Smith and Randell Williams had great chances to level on full time, only to be denied by Grimshaw once more.

“I wouldn’t say we played our best by a mile, however, we created more than enough – three or four really good chances.

“We kept plugging away to the end and really, we couldn’t have asked for better opportunities than what we had.

“It’s a real kick in the teeth, in front of a great following which is frustrating as well, but I’m proud of the endeavour to keep going from the boys. 

“We continued to keep on pushing and you’ve got to keep believing that if you keep creating opportunities like that, they’re going to hit the back of the net eventually.” – Greg Docherty

With the FA Cup providing some respite for McCann’s men from their league campaign against Everton this weekend from the league campaign, it promises to be an exciting couple of weeks on the transfer front if significant investment does come from the seemingly imminent takeover.

A proven striker has to be at the top of the priority list to help secure City’s Championship status. Calling on Randell Williams, Tom Eaves and Tyler Smith, it will be a big ask of those players as they are still finding their feet at Championship level.

With rumours of interest in Lazio’s Kosovan striker Vedat Muriqi coming to Humberside on a loan deal waning, it provides some hope to supporters of the level of player targeted by the new ownership.

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