A 'Wooly' show by all

In the past, I`ve never had a problem with the Tigers; in fact, I admired the way they had managed to get themselves from the bottom of English Football, to the Championship. Am I bitter? No, we`ve done it ourselves, but I know full well that now we`ve reached the heights of the Championship, we don`t go play the game the way Hull do.

Having kicked off in traditional manner; hoofing the ball aimlessly and pointlessly into touch via Gavin Mahon, Watford set out their stall and started flooding the Hull penalty area with tantalising crosses. Adam Johnson was denied his fourth goal in his fleeting Watford career when Henderson picked out the winger with his perfect cross, only for Bo Myhill to clobber the lithe winger.

Minutes later, Hull had probably their only notable chance of the ENTIRE game when David Livermore pinged a superb effort from the edge of the area, Lee, deputising for Poom again, was equal to it and took the catch with ease as he dove to his left.

Johnson was again at the centre of things for the 'Orns when he got in behind Sam Ricketts who outmuscled him before backpassing the ball to Myhill with a crafty backheel. Nothing given by Mr Woolmer. Hmmmm…

Three minutes later though and the incident had been forgotten as Marlon King burst past a lethargic Damien Delaney before driving the ball past Myhill and into the far bottom corner. Two in two for the King, both from open play, both showing pace, power and crucially, precision. THE KING IS BACK! Having run rings around the Tigers backline for the majority of the first half, Ricketts temper snapped and booted the Jamaican skywards. Nothing given by Mr Woolmer. Hmmmm…

The Watford onslaught continued with Adam Johnson playing a huge part as he beat Ricketts all ends up before slipping the cross in for John Joe O`Toole who nearly managed to slip home a goal on his full debut only for a last minute clearance. Minutes later he should`ve buried again from a similar position after good work from Doyley, Smith and King down the right.

Half-time: 1-0

Just ten minutes into the second half and that boy O`Toole was up to his old tricks again as he had his second goal of the season disallowed. After a superb looping cross from Smith, Henderson headed the ball out of Myhill`s hands and O`Toole bundled home.

And, TWO minutes later he was denied AGAIN as he crashed a twenty yard volley goalwards, Myhill at his brilliant best to palm the shot over for a corner.

With Watford all over Hull, things were getting desperate and Hull gaffer Phil Brown charged onto the pitch to return the ball for the SECOND time. On the first occasion the former Bolton No.2 entered the pitch by a mere fifteen yards. The second offence saw his stagger to the edge of the Watford PENALTY AREA without punishment from Mr Woolmer. Hmmm…

Full-time: 1-0BR>
Hull City: Myhill; Ricketts, Turner, Brown (c), Delaney; Garcia (Windass), Marney, Livermore (Featherstone), Hughes; McPhee and Campbell (Elliott).

Referee: Mr K A Woolmer

John Joe O'Toole
Made one good stop. Other than that had little to do and must have been very bored. Not at his best but didn't need to be. A class act. Swept up everything and made a superb barrier of a partnership with Shittu. The equally impressive half of the 'barrier'. Best performance of the season. The way he battled away to win possesion on the touchline, on his own, epitomised his SUPERB peformance. Replaced, but still worked tirelessly throughout his period. VAST, VAST, VAST improvement. His second half was poor by contrast but broke the play up and never gave the ball away. An incredibley assured showing from the young man. SHOULD'VE had a HAT-TRICK. Could have had FIVE. Off the ball he broke up play well and never wasted poession. Excellent - as per. More and more like the King of old every week. Quiet, but none-the-less effective. Aidy Boothroyd-8
Made the right call by starting John-Joe O'Toole and made three intelligent, and in my mind, correct subs. Phil Brown-2
His side play nice football. Why was Elliott on the bench? Why is Windass still playing? Where were Okocha and Pederen? What and Earth was he doing on the pitch?!

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