Match Review: Hull City 2 Boro 2

A frenzied, East Yorkshire encounter ended honours even as Boro hit back to leave the MKM Stadium with a point.

Emmanuel Latte Lath handed the Teessiders the lead inside four minutes before a resurgent City twice found a way through before half time.

But, extending our unbeaten run to eight Championship matches, Finn Azaz rounded off a well-crafted, counter attack to earn a share of the spoils.

For the final midweek trip of the season, Michael Carrick made two alterations to the side that defeated Swansea City; Lukas Engel and Rav van den Berg were both named in the starting XI and there was a spot on the bench for the returning Alex Bangura.

Despite harbouring play-off ambitions after a strong January window, the Tigers had failed to win in their last five at the MKM Stadium and Boro burst out of the traps.

With less than four minutes on the clock, Matt Clarke’s delightful, lofted ball was furthered on by Lukas Engel, into the path of Latte Lath, who slipped calmly through the legs of Allsop to hand the Teessiders an early advantage.

The goal arrived during a real period of dominance from Carrick’s men and Sam Greenwood arrowed wide after more incisive play.

Yet, far from a one-sided contest, Engel was required at the other end to provide a firm block before a second shot was sent wide of Dieng’s right-hand post.

And only a world-class save prevented parity as Greaves directed the ball back across goal, Dieng clawing it to safety with the MKM ready to celebrate.

Though the moment for acclaim would arrive for City moments later – Jaden Philogene’s cross evading both white and amber shirts to nestle in the far corner.

It was a frantic encounter with chances flowing at both ends, Allsop called into action as Ayling bent on target and the Leeds loanee was required in his own box to head off the line.

However, the turnaround was complete before half-time, Jean Michael Seri capitalising on a loose pass and finding the net.

There was no let-up in play as the game resumed and, just as in the opening period, the early stages belonged to the Teessiders.

From the edge of the area, Jonny Howson forced Allsop into action and Latte Lath was unable to pounce upon a spillage from the City keeper.

Howson then reported for defensive duties to block Seri’s goal-bound shot and, from there, Boro broke quickly – a last-ditch block halted Engel’s drive and Clarke headed the resulting corner into the arms of Allsop.

In a game filled with meaningful back-and-forths, Regan Slater powered narrowly wide and Philogene attempted the spectacular, but it was the Teessiders who struck next.

Leading a swift charge upfield, Finn Azaz and Isaiah Jones combined to open up the right channel, and, taking an initial touch to compose himself, Azaz kept his head to slot home.

Still, the game flowed effervescently. A fine save saw Dieng deny Abdus Omar, Jones found Allsop in the way when bending for the corner and Latte Lath had a shot charged down.

Both sides had moments for a winner – Howson’s free-kick inches away from Latte Lath and Carvalho’s shot kept at bay by Dieng – but in the end, the spoils were shared.