A Jarrod Bowen penalty earned Hull City a 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough at the KCOM Stadium yesterday. Here are three positives the Tigers can take from the performance-
Held their own against good team
There is no doubt that Middlesbrough will be in and around the promotion picture at the end of the season so taking a point is a good result for Nigel Adkins’ side. After losing their previous two games against Wigan Athletic (2-1) and Reading (3-0) confidence would have been low amongst the players but the draw against Boro will hopefully give them a boost. Tony Pulis’ side have some top quality players for Championship level and Hull dealt with them well yesterday.
Leeds United are next up for the Tigers but they will go into that one in more confident mood now.
Tighter defence
Defending has been a major issue for Hull so far this season but yesterday was better. Reece Burke, Tommy Elphick and Jordy de Wijs were all solid which will please Nigel Adkins. Goalkeeper David Marshall also had a good game and made an impressive save at the death to prevent Boro from taking all three points. The Scottish international has had his doubters at Hull but yesterday will give him more confidence.
Bowen on form
The 21-year-old had another good game and added another goal for this seasons’ tally from the penalty spot. Bowen makes things happen for the Tigers and is on good form at the moment. He bagged 15 goals last season and is on the way to replicating that in this campaign.