Jarrod Bowen netted two second half goals as Hull City came from behind to see off the threat of struggling Stoke City at the KCOM Stadium this afternoon.
The 22-year-old netted twice in seven second half minutes as The Tigers enhanced their claims for a play-off place in the Sky Bet Championship.
Stoke City got off to the perfect start on Humberside when they took a seventh-minute lead. James McClean delivered a pinpoint cross onto the head of Sam Vokes and the striker guided the ball into the back of the net.
The home side were almost back in the match 10 minutes later but Stoke City keeper Jack Butland palmed Kamil Grosicki’s effort to safety before clawing away Bowen’s 20-yard strike.
Hull City’s aerial threat looked to be their best chance of an equalising goal but both Jordi de Wijs and Tom Eaves were unable to trouble Butland with their respective efforts as the half ended 1-0 to the visitors.
The Tigers did level matters in the 49th minute. Bowen picked up the ball 20 yards from goal and drilled a low effort beyond the reach of Butland into the bottom corner of the net.
Within seven minutes, the game had turned completely on it’s head. Jackson Irvine saw a header saved by Butland but Bowen was unmarked to lash the loose ball home from no more than two yards.
Eaves then had a great chance to extend The Tigers’ lead. He expertly controlled the ball on the penalty spot but couldn’t keep his shot down when on the turn.
Stoke City’s response to going behind was somewhat timid. One chance which did come their way saw Bruno Martins Indi left unmarked at the front post as The Potters took a corner kick from the left. The Dutchman got clear connection on the ball but could only direct his header straight at home keeper George Long.
The final 20 minutes produced little in the way of goalscoring opportunities for either side as the match fizzled out with the Hull City collecting an important three points
