Hot Rod’s Tiger feat
HULL are braced for their latest battle to hang onto to Jarrod Bowen after the £15million-rated star underlined his rich Premier League promise.
Tigers’ highly-rated striker put Grant Mccann’s side ahead, then created the second for Jackson Irvine.
Bowen was linked with a summer move as Everton and Crystal Palace tracked the 22-year-old.
Hull managed to hold onto their in-demand star, but know they face another tough task to ward-off the suitors in January.
Hull boss Mccann said: “Jarrod was unplayable at times, and showed what a valuable asset he is for us.
“He’s a top player, and is playing with a smile on his face which is nice to see.
“Overall, I thought we were excellent and we could have been three or four up at the break.
“In the second half we showed the other side of our game by digging in to highlight our defensive qualities.” Hull paved the way to a first victory of the campaign as they cruised into an early two-goal lead.
Bowen followed-up from close range in the fifth minute when teenage Reading teenage keeper Joao Virginia failed to hold Kamil Grosicki’s near-post shot.
Bowen turned provider to double the advantage as his inviting centre met Irvine’s perfectly-timed run into the area for the Australian to head past Virginia.
Royals captain Liam Moore had a close-range effort blocked by City keeper George Long before Lucas Joao’s angled drive came back off the post after good work by Lucas Boye.
But the £7m former Sheffield Wednesday targetman wasn’t to be denied a debut goal as he cut into the area to find the bottom corner with a confident 66th minute finish.
Reading’s £10m recordsigning George Puscas almost grabbed a late leveller after coming off the bench – forcing a brave block from Long before stabbing a shot against the bar
Royals boss Jose Gomes said: “We showed great spirit to get back into the game. But we didn’t start well and in the end that’s what has cost us.” HULL READING 6 ........ Shots on Target ......... 3 1 ......... Shots off Target .........5 5 ................Corners ................. 7 24 ................ Fouls .................. 12 1 ................ Offsides ..................1 72.7 .. Passing Success ... 80.7 44......... Total Passes .......... 57 42 ...........Possession ........... 58 68.3 . Territorial Adv%.... 31.7