Hull City Falls to Bristol City in Thrilling 3-2 Defeat

Hull City experienced a setback on March 15, 2024, suffering a 3-2 defeat against Bristol City at the MKM Stadium. This marked Hull’s first loss since New Year’s Day, leaving them frustrated after a spirited performance that ultimately fell short.

The match began with early chances for both teams. Emil Riis found an opportunity in the eighth minute, but his shot was saved by Hull’s goalkeeper, Ivor Pandur. Despite a shaky start, Hull took the lead in the 24th minute when Oli McBurnie scored with a composed finish, marking his 13th goal of the season across all competitions.

Bristol City fought back, leveling the score in the 33rd minute. Rob Atkinson capitalized on a corner, outmuscling Hull’s Lewie Coyle to bundle the ball into the net. Just before halftime, the Robins turned the tide. Ross McCrorie struck a stunning effort from outside the box, giving Bristol City a 2-1 advantage.

The second half saw Bristol continue their momentum. Emil Riis extended the lead to 3-1 in the 50th minute, finishing after a precise through ball from Scott Twine. Hull’s defense struggled to contain the visitors, but they managed to respond with tenacity.

With 12 minutes remaining, Kieran Dowell scored his first goal for Hull, narrowing the gap to 3-2. Despite a late push and an impressive 10 minutes of stoppage time, Hull could not find an equalizer. Appeals for a penalty were waved off after McBurnie was challenged by Atkinson, sealing the win for Bristol City.

The defeat was particularly disappointing for Hull, as they had high hopes of maintaining their position in the playoff race. With this result, Hull City dropped to fourth place in the league, trailing Ipswich Town on goal difference. Bristol City, on the other hand, climbed to eighth place with 46 points.

Attendance at the MKM Stadium was noted at 20,848, showcasing strong support despite the result. Fans will be hoping for a quicker turnaround in form as Hull City prepares for their next fixture.

Player ratings reflected the mixed fortunes of both teams, with standout performances from Bristol’s Atkinson, who earned an 8, and Hull’s McBurnie, who received a 7.

As the season progresses, the challenges continue for Hull City, who must regroup and find a way to return to winning ways if they are to secure a promotion playoff spot.