Wilks sets the benchmark for McCann’s injury-hit Tigers
MALLIK WILKS scored his first goal for Hull City to salvage a point as boss Grant McCann’s substitutions worked like a dream.
The forward, 21, came on after 70 minutes for injured captain Eric Lichaj to fire in the equaliser after Jordan Obita had given Reading the lead.
Yet another injury marred the afternoon for McCann against the Royals – but all those he threw on off the bench were involved in the equaliser.
Josh Magennis won a header in the 82nd minute and after good work from Keane Lewis-Potter, forward Wilks saw his deflected shot loop over Rafael Cabral.
McCann said: “We have stopped the run. The goal will do Mallik good and give him a boost in confidence.
“We had 11 injuries already and now that looks like 12 with Eric Lichaj. I have never seen anything like it, it is unbelievable.”
Marcus Maddison, making a full Hull debut, struck the post in the third minute as he looked to get off to a flying start.
George Long made a great save to deny Reading’s Ovie Ejaria on the stroke of half-time – but the hosts were ahead early in the second half.
John Swift threaded a pass through to Obita who fired past Long in the 56th minute.
Ejaria then hit the post but Hull, showing great character, levelled after when Wilks saw his deflected shot beat Cabral.
Long then made some amends for his earlier gaffe with a save from Swift’s late free-kick.
Reading boss Mark Bowen said: “I thought we looked jaded and fatigued, whether that was coming out of a really hard-fought FA Cup replay in midweek.
“It was two points lost when you draw games you stand still in this league.”