Hull’s hopes are given lift
NIGEL ADKINS is relieved that Hull hung on to key men Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki in January – after both found the net.
Instead of cashing in, the Tigers kept their squad together – and the decision brought an instant reward.
The pair’s goals meant that Stoke’s new recruits had a dismal baptism – with striker Sam Vokes missing a penalty on his debut.
While the Potters’ hopes of a late charge into the playoffs took another blow, the Tigers reignited theirs.
This was Hull’s fifth straight home victory – having lost 3-0 at Blackburn in their previous game.
Poland midfielder Grosicki pointed at the ground repeatedly, gesturing that he had stayed put, after his goal killed off lacklustre Stoke.
The visitors were left to rue their horrific penalty record, having missed all three of their attempts in 2019.
Adkins said: “The owners were very bold at the start of January saying none of our best players would be sold and that’s happened.
“It underlines how important it was to keep this team together.”
After both sides had cancelled each other out in the opening half hour, the game came to life.
Hull first came close when Grosicki’s corner was headed into the sidenetting by Bowen.
In-form Bowen made amends though, with a stunning, curling free-kick beyond Jack Butland in the 44th minute.
The Potters had a golden chance to quickly level when they were awarded a soft penalty for Stephen Kingsley’s challenge on Vokes.
Goalkeeper David Marshall came to the rescue though, diving low to his right.
Stoke showed some intent again early in the second half, as Danny Batth’s header struck the bar from Bojan’s free-kick.
Hull doubled their lead when Bowen drove forward and passed to Fraizer Campbell, who teed up Grosicki.
When Grosicki was substituted off late on, even Adkins held his arms aloft to applaud him.
Stoke boss Nathan Jones (above), meanwhile, saw his big calls fail to pay off.
Bojan had started in the league for the first time since October but was unconvincing.
Jones also left out Ryan Shawcross, handing the armband to his replacement Batth.
The Stoke manager said: “Missing penalties has become an epidemic at our place and the record is very, very strange.
“I’m sure Sam will soon be up to speed as he’s missing a bit of matchsharpness – though that had nothing to do with the penalty miss.”