Hull move to within two points of Boro after Riverside win | OneFootball

Hull City moved to within two points of second-placed Middlesbrough thanks to Darko Gyabi’s early strike in a 1-0 win at the Riverside.

Kyle Joseph’s clever run and pass set up Gyabi for the decisive goal in the 12th minute, extending Hull’s unbeaten run to five games.

Middlesbrough, hit by injuries, struggled to break down a compact Hull defence. Ryan Giles was forced off early, with 19-year-old Cathal McCarthy making only his third appearance. Despite periods of pressure, Boro failed to test Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur significantly.

Hull defended well as a unit, frustrating Boro while looking dangerous on the break. Late attempts from Delano Burgzorg were dealt with comfortably by Pandur. The Tigers’ organisation and sharp counterattack proved the difference.

The result halts Middlesbrough’s momentum after a strong start under Kim Hellberg, who saw his side go three games without a goal. Hull, meanwhile, head into the New Year with confidence and promotion hopes very much alive.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

Hull City takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Middlesbrough. Darko Gyabi found the back of the net with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, placing it perfectly into the left corner. The assist came from Kyle Joseph.Hull City takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Middlesbrough. Darko Gyabi scores with a left-footed shot from the center of the box, finding the bottom left corner of the net. The assist comes from Kyle Joseph.

12':

GOAL Hull City: Darko Gyabi (Hull City) scores!

Darko Gyabi scores goal number 2 in the competition (19 matches)

14':

Missed opportunity! Callum Brittain from Middlesbrough took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left. The assist came from Hayden Hackney.

35':

Missed opportunity! Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough attempted a right-footed shot from the left side of the penalty area but failed to find the target.

37':

Missed opportunity! Kyle Joseph from Hull City attempted a header from the center of the box but sent it wide to the left.

37':

Missed opportunity! Kyle Joseph from Hull City attempted a header from the center of the box, but it went wide to the left.

58':

Opportunity wasted. Alex Gilbert from Middlesbrough attempted a shot with his right foot from outside the penalty area.

60':

Opportunity wasted. Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left.

73':

Missed opportunity. Morgan Whittaker from Middlesbrough took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area.

73':

Missed opportunity! Morgan Whittaker from Middlesbrough took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area that narrowly went wide to the left. The assist was provided by Delano Burgzorg.

87':

Missed opportunity! Luke Ayling from Middlesbrough took a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but it went just wide. The assist came from Sverre Nypan.

88':

Missed opportunity. Amir Hadziahmetovic from Hull City attempted a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the left.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match