Hull City 0-0 Coventry City: FLW report as Tigers and Sky Blues play out second blank of season | OneFootball

FLW report from the MKM Stadium for this crucial fixture in the Championship promotion scene

Hull City and Coventry City played out a second goalless draw against each other this season at the MKM Stadium on Easter Monday night.

After watching all their Championship promotion rivals' results come in earlier in the day, it was Sergej Jakirovic's team who created the better chances against Frank Lampard's league leaders, who remain on course for a first spell in the Premier League for 25 years despite firing a blank in East Yorkshire.

Hull City 0-0 Coventry City

The first chance came inside three minutes as a short corner from the Tigers worked its way to Cody Drameh, with the defender seeing his effort charged down by Jay Dasilva, before he fired over moments later after good work from Lewie Coyle and Liam Millar on the left flank.

With Hull firmly on top in the first 10 minutes, Amir Hadziahmetovic fired a speculative effort from 20 yards which drifted wide of Carl Rushworth's net.

Another fast break from the hosts involving Millar then allowed Joe Gelhardt the chance to take aim, with his long-range strike certainly giving the Sky Blues keeper concern for a moment before going wide.

The game somehow remained goalless after 15 minutes as a loose collection from Rushworth allowed John Egan a gilt-edge chance that was remarkably blocked by Liam Kitching, with Victor Torp then dragging Coventry's first clear-cut chance of the game wide of Ivor Pandur's net.

12 minutes before the break, the Dane fired a low curling effort straight into Pandur's grasp after Tatsuhiro Sakamoto fell under Egan's pressure as Lampard's men looked to gain a foothold in proceedings.

Although the Tigers continued to end the first period with strong intensity, their hearts were certainly in their mouths in stoppage-time as Lewie Coyle's flick from an inswinging Matt Grimes free-kick went narrowly wide of the target.

The first attempt of the second half came after 54 minutes when Gelhardt glanced a tame header straight at Rushworth from a hanging Millar delivery.

The Canadian then spurned a strong chance two minutes later as he decided to go alone instead of picking out the likes of Oli McBurnie and Matt Crooks - both of whom were in good positions inside the box.

Tensions then rose on the hour-mark as Jakirovic was initially booked for his verdict on an offside call involving Gelhardt, before the home crowd were left furious as Grimes was awarded a yellow card for fouling Hadziahmetovic as Hull looked to catch the leaders on the break.

The travelling support then felt aggrieved when David Webb waved away their appeals for a handball against Coyle from a low van Ewijk cross 18 minutes from time, with the deadlock still yet to be broken at that stage.

Sky Blues substitute, Ellis Simms, then forged his first chance with 13 minutes remaining, although he couldn't find the angle required to beat Pandur under pressure from Ajayi.

With less than 10 minutes of normal time on the clock, Kyle Joseph's first touch for Hull saw the ball fall at Drameh's feet in an advanced area for the third time, but the full-back could only fire over the top of the crossbar from 20 yards.

After good hold-up play from McBurnie, Mohamed Belloumi went in search of his second goal in as many games in the final minutes. However, Rushworth was equal to his curling strike which lacked power.

The last meaningful action saw McBurnie head a glancing header just over the bar in the final minute of second half stoppage-time, with Hull still fifth on 68 points, five inside the play-offs and four behind second-placed Ipswich Town, whilst Coventry are 12 clear at the top of the Championship with five matches remaining.

Player Ratings

Hull City

Ivor Pandur - 7

Cody Drameh - 7.5

Semi Ajayi - 7

John Egan - 7

Lewie Coyle - 7

Toby Collyer - 8 (Koumas 74" - 6.5)

Amir Hadziahmetovic - 7.5

Joe Gelhardt - 7 (Lundstram 74" - 6)

Matt Crooks - 7 (Joseph 83" - 6)

Liam Millar - 7 (Belloumi 74" - 6.5)

Oli McBurnie - 6.5

Unused Subs: D.Phillips, C.Hughes, P.McNair, M.Jacob, K.Dowell

Coventry City

Carl Rushworth - 7

Milan van Ewijk - 7

Joel Latibeaudiere - 6.5

Liam Kitching - 7

Jay Dasilva - 7

Frank Onyeka - 7

Matt Grimes - 7

Tatsuhiro Sakamoto - 7 (Markolo 92" - N/A)

Victor Torp - 6 (Rudoni 64" - 6)

Ephron Mason-Clark - 6.5

Haji Wright - 6 (Simms 64" - 6)

Unused Subs: B.Wilson, L.Woolfenden, J.Bidwell, J.Allen, J.Eccles, R.Esse

Sergej Jakirovic reacts as Hull City earn useful point v Coventry City

Reacting to a useful point for the Tigers against the league leaders, Jakirovic said: "I think we played a very good game.

"The start was very strong, aggressive and front-footed in and out of possession.

"We were very organised. Their tactical plan was OK, and we put a lot of energy, but maybe lacked better decisions and calmness on the ball around the box and in the box.

"Also, I think we had one good situation with John Egan, but (Kitching) blocked this 'empty goal'," he added.

"I'm satisfied because we didn't allow them anything (in attack), which is great because they are the best team in the league and they will go to the Premier League.

"It is a great message for us, and we have to continue like this."

"It's very interesting, twice (against Coventry), 0-0. But, we also showed we could compete with them, which is good for us.

"Of course, we tried to win the game but didn't have some situations there. Also, we were compact and aggressive, winning lots of balls, but lacked better decisions in the last third."

Frank Lampard's thoughts on Coventry City's goalless draw v Hull City

Reacting to a point which took his side closer to clinching promotion, Lampard said: "It's a great point.

"They're a good side, we know that. They are where they are, well-built, solid squad with a bit of Premier League experience, strength, quality and speed at the top of the pitch.

"You have to respect that. I think the pitch here is really difficult to play on," he claimed."Really difficult to play well and move the ball really well.

"At times, we did, others not so much. But, when you can't have it all your own way, keep a clean sheet and get a point at the business end of the season.

"I'm really, really happy," said Lampard.

"First 15-20 minutes was intense as it kept coming back. Some of that was to do with us, but we defended our box.

"They knew we were a threat too, in the way we played and some of the moments we had.

"Not as clinical as we'd like to be, but the game became a bit transitional. Sometimes it's really hard to grab it back and slow it down.

"We tried to at times, but on that pitch, had to be really careful because if they press you, the ball bobbles and the first touch is difficult. Those things are a thing," he explained.

"I'm not trying to sit here and make excuses. I think it was a fair point for both teams, and I'm happy with the approach of my team."

Attendance

The attendance at the MKM Stadium tonight was 22,507.