By COLIN YOUNG at the KCOM Stadium

LEE BOWYER slammed referee Tony Harrington and his officials for allowing the goal which took Hull out of the Championship’s bottom three.

But the Birmingham boss said midfielder Gary Gardner’s headbutt on Josh Magennis just before the break – and subsequent red card – cost his side even more.

The Tigers took the lead when George Honeyman poked home from close range to direct Ryan Longman’s short pass over the goal-line.

But Blues players appeared to stop, believing the Hull wing-back had run the ball over the touchline, and reacted with bewilderment as they celebrated.

Bowyer argued with fourth official Marc Edwards before marching on to the pitch at half-time to confront ref Harrington and his assistants.

Bowyer said: “They were given a one-goal headstart and probably the only people who didn’t see it are the officials.

“But when Gards got sent off, it made the game difficult for us. He has let everyone down – he is out for four games now and we hardly have any players as it is.”

Hull boss Grant Mccann said: “I am pleased because it has been a tough week with injuries and illnesses – all the available defenders were on the pitch.”

Mallik Wilks nodded home the hosts’ second goal from Keane Lewis-potter’s run and cross just before the hour.

Lukas Jutkiewicz (above, tussling with Sean Mcloughlin) was a threat. However, Tigers keeper Nathan

Baxter’s main worry in the second half was not Blues players but bottles thrown in his direction by visiting fans.

HULL: Baxter 7, Bernard 6, Mcloughlin 7, Greaves 6; Lewispotter 8, Honeyman 8 (Cannon 79, 6) Smallwood 7, Docherty 6, Longman 8 (Williams 72, 6); Magennis 7 (T Smith 72, 6), Wilks 8.

Subs not used: Ingram, Moncur, M Smith, Jevon Mills.

BIRMINGHAM: Sarkic 7; Mcgree 6, Sanderson 7, Marc Roberts 6, Dean 5 (James 46, 5), Sunjic 6; Gardner 1, Woods 5, Bela 5; Hogan 6 (Aneke 78, 6), Deeney 5 (Jutkiewicz 61, 5).

Subs not used: Etheridge, Castillo, Mitchell Roberts, Oakley.

MAN OF THE MATCH: George Honeyman (Hull): Ran the show and popped up with his second goal in two games.

REFEREE: Tony Harrington 3.