Gardiner keeps Hull in a slump

GARY GARDNER’S spectacular first goal in 11 months did further damage to Hull’s bid for an immediate return to the Premier League. England under-21 midfielder Gardner silenced the KC Stadium with a longdistance drive in the 27th minute as Steve Bruce’s team lost further ground at the top of the Championship. A month ago Hull were two points clear at the top but have stalled to allow Burnley into the promotion box seat. That period coincided with their £10million record signing Abel Hernandez’s goals completely drying up. Luck also appeared to have run out for the Uruguayan, who last netted in the win at Blackburn on February 13, on the evidence of his chance on the quarter hour. Robert Snodgrass, back after an injury niggle, bisected the visitors’ defence with a pass across the turf and Hernandez calmly slid the ball past the advancing Dorus de Vries but onto the base of the post. Mohamed Diame’s follow-up was then kicked away by the Dutch goalkeeper. At the other end there appeared to nothing to worry about when the ball was worked square to Gardner from left to right and, with few options ahead of him, the on-loan Aston Villa midfielder rifled into the top corner from 35 yards. There was a greater urgency about Hull after the interval and twice inside the opening 10 minutes De Vries was required to repel home efforts. With 15 minutes left, however, Sone Aluko slid an equaliser for a precious point.