Hull 2-2 Leeds: Match Report

23 April 2016 04:34

Leeds snatch late equaliser to deny Hull

Stuart Dallas struck with two minutes left to earn Leeds a 2-2 draw in their Yorkshire derby with Hull at the KC Stadium.

The Northern Ireland winger drilled in past Allan McGregor to pick up a point for Steve Evans' men, when it looked as though McGregor's penalty save from Chris Wood was going to settle the contest in Hull's favour.

Wood had given Leeds the lead 15 minutes in, only for Abel Hernandez and Tom Huddlestone to strike in first-half injury time for Hull, who continue to splutter their way towards the play-offs.

A point is not quite the fourth win in a row Evans was hunting but does strengthen his claim for a new deal from controversial owner Massimo Cellino, although all signs continue to point to the exit door for the Scot.

His men were up against it for large periods of this game but chipped away sufficiently to strike when it mattered, leaving the home fans booing at regular intervals as a campaign which looked like delivering automatic promotion now heads for a minimum of two extra games.

Hull started impressively, ex-Tiger Liam Cooper blocking Hernandez's shot and Huddlestone shooting wide.

But then Charlie Taylor swung in a fine cross from the left and, on the half-volley on the six-yard line, Wood put away his fourth goal in six games.

Hull responded with Chuba Akpom cutting in from the left and forcing Marco Silvestri into a fine save, tipping over his bar at full stretch.

That was all Hull had for some time but, in first-half injury time, the game swung completely.

Former Leeds winger Robert Snodgrass helped get Hull level, putting a 20th goal of the season on a plate for Hernandez with a brilliant low ball, and then Huddlestone beat Silvestri from the edge of the area with a pinpoint, crisp finish.

Leeds had a chance to get back on terms 53 minutes in when Taylor was hacked down in the box by Moses Odubajo. Wood assumed penalty-taking duties but McGregor was able to pouch his effort away to his left.

Hull continued to create the better of the chances and Akpom would have made it three had Silvestri not been equal to his header from Snodgrass' right-wing cross.

Leeds captain Sol Bamba was fortunate to avoid a second yellow card for bringing down the lively Akpom as the clock ran down, before Wood dropped a header into the palms of McGregor from a Dallas free-kick.

Leeds looked done at that point but Dallas had the last word when he cracked in after fine set-up play from Jordan Botaka.


Source: PA