Hull get big Toral boost to climb out of drop zone
HULL are prepared to roll their sleeves up and fight to ensure Championship survival, says Jon Toral.
The Spaniard set the Tigers on course for only their second away win in 34 attempts with his first goal for the club.
Toral headed home from a corner just moments after seeing his penalty attempt saved (right) by Forest keeper Costel Pantilimon.
On-loan Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson also scored his first City goal to double the visitors’ lead shortly before the half-time break.
The win pulled Hull out of the drop zone as they leapfrogged Barnsley in the table.
Midfielder Toral said: “It is three points and hopefully it gives us the confidence to move on and keep winning games to move up the table.
“I’m delighted to get my first goal for the club. It was a great delivery from Seb (Larsson) and I was delighted to get it in the net.
“Our away record has not been great but in the situation we’re in, we need wins home and away. We need to get points on the board. It is tough to come to places like this where the fans push and push and push. It is always better when you’re at home and the fans are behind you.
“Today we showed we can fight and we can dig in. We created chances today, we scored two goals and could have had more so we’re delighted with the win.
“Mentally it is good to be out of the drop zone. We just need more wins to get further away from it and we know that we’ve got the players here to do that.
“The squad is ready to fight and show everything we’ve got in the next two games. We’re going to push and this win will only give us more confidence.
“Nigel Adkins is just trying to get everyone to stick together. We’re a team and we’re in this situation together. People are ready to fight together and we’ve showed togetherness today.”
It was another frustrating afternoon at the City Ground for misfiring Forest, who have lost five in a row on home turf.
Aitor Karanka’s side have not even managed a goal in that time and are in danger of being sucked into the relegation battle.
Forest midfielder Adlene Guedioura admitted that the home failings are affecting Forest badly.
“It was a game to forget and now we need to work hard and change a few things.,” he said. “We have to show more, especially at home. A win would make things better and we need that winning mentality that is so important.”
Pantilimon 7, Lichaj 5 (Tomlin 45, 6), Worrall 6, Mancienne 6, Fox 5, Guedioura 6 (Lolley 77, 6), Colback 5, Cash 5, Osborn 6, Dowell 5, Vellios 5 (Murphy 61, 6)
Mcgregor 6, Aina 7, Hector 6, Macdonald 7,
Clark 6, Bowen 7, Irvine 6, Larsson 8, Wilson 6 (Diomande 71, 6), Keane 7 (Campbell 75, 5), Toral 7 (Stewart 52, 5)