Verdict: Hull 5 Saints 0
Last updated : 16 March 2008 By Peattie B
From the first whistle Saints looked shaky in what were poor conditions. At one point it looked like the elements could have saved us from the embarrassment, but it wasn't to be and the game was completed.
At times visibility was poor as a misty haze of rain swept across the stadium getting gradually worse as the game wore on. In no way should this be viewed as an excuse though, it was a level playing field and Hull simply adapted better to the conditions.
From the off the Tigers gave Saints no time on the ball, their midfield working tirelessly to close down the away side at every opportunity. Safri and Viafara were given no space or time to pull the strings and Hull's fluid passing constantly found gaps all over the pitch.
At the back Saints looked weak and missed Andrew Davies's organisation and presence throughout the game. At times there was little or no communication as Hull managed to find space in and around the back line.
First half bad
Hull took the lead after just seven minutes when a ball over the top of a static defence put Fraizer Campbell through, he raced clear and as Poke hesitated he fired past the stranded keeper into the net.
It has to be said that Poke was carrying an ankle injury sustained in the warm up. He was clearly seen limping off the field in some discomfort before the pre-match preparations had finished. This did show as he wasn't able to make it out to the through ball before the on-loan Manchester United striker.
Although Pearson refused to blame this on the outcome of the game it did have some influence. As the players left the ground to board the coach afterwards Poke could not stop to sign autographs as he put it 'I've got to get on the coach, my foot is killing me'.
The game might have been different had Stern John put away a glorious chance to equalise on eleven minutes. After being slipped through by Euell his shot lacked power and was a comfortable save for Myhill in the home side's goal.
On twenty five minutes John did smash a cool volley home from eighteen yards after McGoldrick nodded him in but it was ruled out for offside, although I would like to see a replay as it looked tight.
That said it was still very much one way traffic during the first half.
Second half even worse
At half time, Nigel Pearson brought on new loan signing from Stoke Vincent Pericard for the ineffective David McGoldrick in an attempt to bring more power to the Saints attack.
This failed to have any real effect as Hull continued to press and the game was put beyond doubt as two quick goals gave Hull a three nil advantage. A throw-in from the right wasn't cleared by the Saints defence and Pedersen swivelled to fire into the roof of the net.
The third came just a minute later as poor marking from a free kick from the left gave Turner a free header that he powered into the top left-hand corner of the Poke giving the immobile Poke no chance.
Hull had complete control of the game and were passing the ball through the Saints team with some ease. Fraizer Campbell caused the Saints backline no end of problems all afternoon with his pace and energy in a fine performance from the youngster.
They were allowed time on the ball and one flowing move ended with Garcia curling an effort from the edge of the area that Poke saved well. There was nothing the Saints keeper could do about the fourth as another smooth move ended with former Spurs man Dean Marney firing a low drive into the bottom right corner of the net from twenty yards.
Pearson brought on Jermaine Wright for Stern John in an attempt to limit the damage being caused, but it left Pericard lost and alone upfront. Jason Euell had Saints only effort on target of the second half with a stinging twenty yard drive, but Myhill pulled off a very good save flying to his left.
The Tigers could have had more had Michael Bridges not hit the post from less than a yard but they did grab a fifth in injury time as substitute Brian Hughes was left unmarked on the right side of the penalty area and despite getting a strong hand to his Poke could not keep it up.
Verdict
The fifth goal summed up a miserable afternoon and now Pearson must ensure that we bounce back from this defeat in what now is even more of a massive game home to Coventry on Saturday.
Tactics and team selection have been criticised today and I feel Pearson did make the wrong call allowing Poke to start. However, lack of communication and organisation at the back was costly in what was a very poor defensive performance.
As I have already said Davies was hugely missed at the back today and we can't get him back soon enough. The most worrying aspect of our game at the moment is the lack of width.
Licka and Oslund made no inroads down the right and we simply had no left winger. Adam Hammill did travel but Pearson hasn't fancied playing him bar as sub and I think we would have benefited from his inclusion in the squad.
That said, we were second best all over the park, Hull didn't afford us the time on the ball we allowed them and adjusted to the conditions far better so we were punished.
It was refreshing to see Pearson come all the way over to the fans to say sorry at the end, this clearly hurt him but now it is all about we bounces back now.
On boarding the coach the players were very down heartened some visibly very angry, most apologising as they left the stadium.
Let's hope we can bounce back from this strongly and that it will galvanise us for the run in. COYR
