Aina gets the nod to give Tigers some bite
OLA AINA’S first senior goal sent Championship strugglers Hull through to the fourth round of the FA Cup at the expense of League One Blackburn.
The on-loan Chelsea defender rose highest in the 58th minute to head the goal which ended a five-match winless run for the Tigers.
Paul Caddis hit the bar for the hosts and Danny Graham missed a gilt-edged chance as Rovers exited at the third-round stage for the first time since 2014.
Hull boss Nigel Adkins said: “We’ve played against a good side in Blackburn, you see them at the top of the league.
I thought the first half we played some exquisite football we just missed putting the ball in the net.
“Our performances have been excellent of late.”
The first half was a dour affair but Caddis almost lit it up early on with a superb strike that cannoned back off David Marshall’s bar.
At the other end Michael Hector’s header brought a save out of Rovers keeper Jayson Leutwiler.
Adama Diomande saw a low effort blocked as the Tigers started to look more threatening.
And they finally took the lead in the 58th minute when Jon Toral’s deep corner was met by Aina, whose header somehow evaded Leutwiler.
Graham should have equalised but missed the target with only Marshall to beat, and Derrick Williams prodded over.
Rovers threw on Graham and Bradley Dack and the double change livened up the home side, with Marshall being forced into his first save of the game from Craig Conway’s 18-yard drive.
Graham had a great chance to level but the striker lifted his shot over the bar.
Toral saw an effort ruled out for offside before Clark made made a vital block from Conway at the death.
Rovers boss Tony Mowbray said: “It was frustrating to lose another goal from a set play and we’re out of the competition but the last half-hour was encouraging.
“We created chances and had opportunities to score at least one but it wasn’t to be.”