Preston beat Southampton 3-1 in their previous game, heading into this game in good spirits and high expectations. Hull however suffered a morale suffering 5-2 home defeat to the hands of Ipswich.
Preston started with the same line up as Monday when they beat Southampton. New signing Franck Songo`o was amongst the substitutes.
Hull line up: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Delaney, Dawson, Welsh, Ashbee, Parlour, Forster, Windass, Elliot.
PNE line up: Lonergan, Alexander, Chilvers, St.Ledger, Davidson, Sedgwick, Pergl, Pugh, Mellor, Ricketts, Nugent.
The first action to note wasn`t a goal threat but an injury. Hull`s John Welsh had to be stretched off after colliding with former Liverpool team mate Neil Mellor. The midfielder was replaced by David Livermore after 5 minutes.
The first opportunity of a goal came from what would have been an own goal. Ricketts was back to defend a corner but he nearly converted it into his own net with the ball heading towards the top corner. Fortunately Lonergan was aware and parried for another corner.
Neither team was able to get a strangle hold on the game but Hull were the slightly better side with Preston not really creating any opportunities. However, Hull seemed weak at the back and Nugent was able to scare the defence. Nugent`s reign of terror didn`t last very long though as he was injured after a knock to the back of his leg. He was replaced on 32 minutes by Patrick Agyemang.
However, before Nugent was carried off, Hull took the lead. From a corner from the left, Turner nodded on and Forster was left a simple chance and he converted with no problems, giving Hull a desperately needed lead.
Hull 1-0 Preston: Forster
There wasn`t much more action during the first half as Preston failed to light a spark, missing Nugent and also other influential absentees, McKenna and Whaley.
Half time: Hull 1-0 Preston
Preston once again failed to create openings in the second half, although Hull weren`t too great either but always looked the more likely to score. Preston`s second substitute came on 60 minutes, Songo`o was handed his debut, replacing Pergl. Songo`o almost had an instant impact. He found Sedgwick but his effort was easily stopped by Hull`s keeper.
Soon afterwards, Windass had an excellent chance for Hull. After great work in the box by the big man, he turned and beat Lonergan with his shot, only to be denied by the post. The danger was cleared but only after Elliott was allowed to pounce. Forster also had another good chance after this.
Pugh became the first booking of the game on 70 minutes. And immediately after that, Hull went 2-0 up. Substitute David Livermore with the goal. Just like the first goal, a flick on from the near post was gobbled up at the back post.
Hull 2-0 Preston: Livermore
Ricketts was the second and last player in the book on 78 minutes. This spelled the end for Preston`s chances and Hull had claimed a valuable three points. However Hull hadn`t stopped there and continued to create chances with Elliot going close once more.
Ricardo Vaz Te made his Hull debut coming on for Forster before Barmby made his return from injury, replacing Windass.
Full time: Hull 2-0 Preston
Player Ratings
Andy Lonergan
7
Graham Alexander
6
Liam Chilvers
7
Sean St.Ledger
6
Callum Davidson
7
Chris Sedgwick
7
Pavel Pergl
6
Danny Pugh
6
Neil Mellor
7
Michael Ricketts
6
David Nugent
7
Agyemang
6
Songo’o
6
when you lost nuggent it was the biggest blow for you since then you didnt look threatening at all. Was a good game to be a hull fan. Although I wish preston the best of luck on there promotion run!