Sunday 7 August 2011

Match Report:Hull City 0 Blackpool 1

A fine finish from Gary Taylor-Fletcher secured Blackpool victory over Hull in the opening match of the Championship season at the KC Stadium.The Seasiders, relegated from the Premier League last season, were more than matched by Hull through the match.Matty Fryatt wasted two fine chances for the hosts when clean through while Tom Cairney hit the bar.But Taylor-Fletcher lashed home a half-volley from Keith Southern's chip and his side survived several late scares.Blackpool dropped out of the Premier League in May after finishing 19th, while Hull were relegated from the top flight 12 months earlier, and the teams were well-matched.The hosts enjoyed the best of the opening quarter of the match as Cairney crashed a free-kick against the woodwork and Robert Brady dragged a shot wide.But after a slow start, Blackpool managed to assert their passing game and created the better of the chances before the break.First a cross from Kevin Phillips tempted Peter Gulacsi from his line and the goalkeeper was far from convincing as Elliot Grandin almost hunted down a loose ball.Then Phillips, who left Birmingham when his contract expired at the end of last season, rattled the post with a cleanly struck effort from the edge of the box.Hull suffered a setback as debutant Dele Adebola was forced off in the first minute of the second half, but the Tigers could have taken the lead when Fryatt burst through on goal.He was denied however as Alex Baptiste chased back and timed his tackle to perfection to rob the former Leicester striker.Fryatt and substitute Nick Barmby then squandered clear openings as the Seasiders defence disintegrated in front of them.But Taylor-Fletcher proved more clincial as he rifled an awkwardly bouncing ball into the top corner before Jay Simpson flicked Hull's last chance over the bar.Blackpool manager Ian Holloway told Sky Sports: "I want to prove that it's not just the players we've lost that were good. I want these lads to shine again and for me they did in this very tough fixture."I'm delighted for the lads, we've had a tough few weeks and it's always about getting the game started. We've had a terrible pre-season, we haven't played well at all, but we have tonight so that's all that matters."Hull boss Nigel Pearson felt his side were unfortunate to lose but admitted they had only themselves to blame."We've been mugged a bit because of the number of chances we've made," he said.

"We should be taking them but that's the Championship. It's a steep learning curve for some of our lads."

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