Spot-on Bowen keeps Pulis’ men off top spot
hull city 1 Bowen (69 pen) Middlesbrough 1 Assombalonga (51)
Middlesbrough missed the chance to go top of the Championship after being held to a draw at Hull City. Boro took the lead through Britt Assombalonga just after the break, but were denied all three points after Jarrod Bowen converted a penalty for the hosts. The Tigers made much the better start than their visitors, belying the 11-point gap that existed between the two sides at kick-off. Bowen should have put the hosts in front after just four minutes, but placed a header wide of goal after being picked out expertly by returning winger Kamil Grosicki. The Pole – making his first start for City in five months and his first competitive start since Poland’s 1-0 win over Japan during the World Cup – was in the thick of the action early on and was put through on goal, only for the imposing figure of Aden Flint to blunt out his attack. Hull were well on top and skipper Markus Henriksen saw a daisycutter just fly past a post, with Darren Randolph stranded, after 10 minutes. Flint then nodded wide for Boro from a corner, while Britt Assombalonga directed a shot wide of goal after a good counter attack from the visitors. Boro came out after the restart full of energy and fullback George Friend signalled their intent by fizzing a shot just over the Hull crossbar. But it wasn’t long before the strong travelling support from Teesside had something to celebrate, when they went in front after 51 minutes. Jonny Howson whipped in a ball from the right and Assombalonga was in the right place to tuck the ball home for his fourth goal of the campaign. Just a minute later, Assombalonga was put in again, though this time home stopper David Marshall was able to get behind the hitman’s fierce effort. Bowen then curled a rasping effort over the bar as Hull searched for a quickfire response. Flint came within a lick of paint of doubling Boro’s advantage when he saw his header graze the top of the City crossbar. Boro handed the hosts a lifeline when Daniel Ayala clumsily fouled Chris Martin in the box to concede a penalty. From the resulting spot-kick, Bowen made no mistake as he slotted the ball past Randolph. Nigel Adkins’ side stepped up their pursuit of a winner, with Bowen always looking a threat going forward. Henriksen almost capped off an impressive move, but his tame attempt was dealt with by Randolph.