Bruce's big return ends in frustration

STEVE BRUCE’S return to Hull ended with the former City boss having to share the points from a goalless draw as his Aston Villa side struggled to break down a resolute home defence.

Bruce left under acrimonious circumstances a little under two years ago and came back to the KCOM Stadium for the first time.

The Tigers find themselves fighting to stay out of the drop zone and earned a battling point with some resolute defending.

In the early exchanges, Villa’s Albert Adomah should have done better when he clipped the ball over the bar from a Robert Snodgrass cross.

Hull had the ball in the back of the net with 16 minutes gone, but Abel Hernandez was offside when he received Markus Henriksen’s pass, before curling the ball into the top corner.

Adomah was only denied a good opening from a Jack Grealish pass when Michael Dawson got in a fine block just after the half-hour.

Hull started the second half brightly and Sam Johnstone was called on to make his first serious save as he beat away a shot from Angus MacDonald.

Hull threatened again, but sub Jon Toral headed over, before Henri Lansbury then got back to prevent Jarrod Bowen getting the finishing touch.

But in a game with little quality, both sides had to settle for a point, which was of little use to either in their respective battles at opposite ends of the table.

JOTA’S first-half penalty took Birmingham out of the relegation zone, and manager Garry Monk hailed his players’ efforts.

Jacques Maghoma was tripped by Cameron Carter-Vickers and up stepped the Spaniard to slot home the spot-kick and secure three vital points.

‘The players are fighting and they have the belief in their capabilities,’ said Monk.

‘We defended really well and showed our spirit when we needed to during the game.’

Ipswich boss Mick McCarthy reflected on being in charge having revealed this week he will quit at the end of the season: ‘In 26 years as a manager this was a new experience. It was surreal.’