Crystal Palace took on Hull City at the KC Stadium this afternoon, looking to give new boss Tony Pulis reason for encouragement after his appointment wasconfirmed earlier today.
Hull came into the match unbeaten at home this season and had the best chance of a tight first hour, which Yannick Sagbo failed to convert from close range.
Palace had Yannick Bolasie sent off late on but just three minutes later made the breakthrough with 10 men, as Barry Bannan finished off a fine move from close range.
Look back at a first away win of the campaign for the Eagles with Sports Mole's minute-by-minute text commentary below.
Afternoon football fans. After a week of international action the Premier League party is back with a bang this weekend, with Sports Mole bringing you live coverage of every game. Here we will focus on a clash between promoted sides in search of three precious points, as Hull City host Crystal Palace.
Much of the attention pre-match has focused around Palace's protracted search for a new manager, which finally ended earlier today after Tony Pulis stepped in to try to save the Eagles. He has quite a task on his hands though, with Palace already six points from safety with a solitary win to their name this season.
Palace chairman Steve Parish has refused to be rushed in his efforts to replace Ian Holloway, but will surely be relieved to have finally got his man in Pulis. The former Stoke City boss brings a direct style that achieved considerable success at the Britannia Stadium, something that he will be desperate to repeat under very different circumstances in South London.
Keith Millen will be in the dugout for the final time today for Palace, with Pulis not officially taking over first-team affairs until after the match. Millen has steadied the ship somewhat and finally brought an end to a dismal run of seven successive defeats before the international break, but the Eagles have failed to pick up a single point on the road in five attempts this term.
There is far more cause for optimism at Hull this season, with Steve Bruce's men using strong home form to quickly give themselves a fighting chance of survival. The Tigers have claimed 11 of their 14 points at the KC Stadium, including wins over Norwich City, West Ham and Sunderland.
Hull's challenge now is to be ruthless against direct rivals for Premier League survival, as they aim to respond from a comprehensive 4-1 defeat at Southampton before the international break. Bruce's side could put a whopping 13 points between themselves and rock-bottom Palace with victory today, a victory which would almost certainly carry them into the top half.
Bruce must be credited for making a string of shrewd signings, particularly in defence as players with Premier League experience like Maynor Figueroa have proved a calming influence. Injury problems have threatened to derail that encouraging start though, with Sone Aluko a key figure facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
BREAKING TEAM NEWS! We have just received word on the starting XIs from the UK's new city of culture for 2017 and Palace are without Jerome Thomas, who has failed to recover from a groin problem. A full look at both teams will follow in just a few moments.
HULL XI: McGregor, Figueroa, Elmohamady, Davies, McShane, Huddlestone, Livermore, Boyd, Brady, Koren, Sagbo
PALACE XI: Speroni, Ward, Gabbidon, Delaney, Moxey, Jedinak, Dikgacoi, Bannan, Bolasie, Gayle, Chamakh
With Thomas out through injury Millen has made one change to the Palace side that drew at home Everton a fortnight ago, bringing in Dwight Gayle in what will probably be an advanced role out wide. Marouane Chamakh will lead the line in a 4-5-1, with Barry Bannan the most advanced of a midfield trio.
Hull meanwhile have Robbie Brady back and fit to start in a huge boost to their attacking options, with the midfielder already bagging three goals this season. Allen McGregor is also available and replaces Steve Harper in goal, with Robert Koren replacing Liam Rosenior in a reshaped 4-5-1 for the hosts.
With both sides largely using the same system this afternoon space will be at a premium, which should result in a very different spectacle to the last time these two teams shared a field. Back in March a rampant Palace were 4-1 winners at Selhurst Park, with a certain Kevin Phillips bagging a hat-trick.
I would be extremely surprised if the two teams shared five goals today, with it taking that many matches to produce the same number of strikes at the KC Stadium so far this season. A congested midfield battle is likely to prove decisive, with Tom Huddlestone and Jake Livermore matching up against Mile Jedinak and Kagisho Dikgacoi.
A quick word from the first match on a bumper weekend of Premier League action, with Everton and Liverpool sharing a six-goal thriller at Goodison Park. You can read all about it by clicking here if you wish.
Back to events at the KC Stadium and time to look at the options waiting in the wings for both managers. Palace could turn to Kevin Phillips, a player who has terrorised Hull in the recent past, or Cameron Jerome. Hull meanwhile have Danny Graham and Gedo hoping to make an impact and put the pressure on Sagbo for a starting spot.
HULL SUBS: Harper, Rosenior, Alex Bruce, Faye, Meyler, Gedo, Graham
PALACE SUBS: Alexander, Mariappa, O'Keefe, Jonny Williams, Puncheon, Jerome, Phillips
PREDICTION! Palace have failed to register a shot on target in two of their 11 Premier League games this season, a statistic that cannot be repeated if they are to take points full Hull. With Pulis watching I expect a strong reaction from the Eagles this afternoon, but not enough to stop them losing in a narrow 1-0 defeat.
Here come the two teams, with Pulis a noticeable figure in the stands. Can his new side provide reason for optimism this afternoon, or will Hull's terrific home form carry them into the top half? We are about to find out!
Referee Anthony Taylor signals for Hull to get us underway, shooting from right to left.
Hull are quick to get the ball down in midfield as Huddlestone helps the ball forward, with Davies just putting too much on a chip in search of Elmohamady out wide on the overlap.
We have an early delay in play as Chamakh hits the ground following a heavy aerial collision with McShane. Both men have been cut and need patching up, with McShane wearing black tape around his head. Chamakh is taking longer to recover, with a wound bleeding profusely from the top of his head.
Chamakh is struggling as Jerome gets ready for action on the touchline, but Palace just want to wait before considering a change. Play continues as Huddlestone whips a cross into the six-yard box, claimed at the second time of asking by the returning McGregor.
The Moroccan striker is bandaged up and back on the pitch, with Jerome forced to sit back on the bench. Hull attempt to drive down the right through Koren with both teams back to a full compliment, but dithers with the chance to cross out wide.
Bolasie leaves his studs in on Huddlestone to bail Hull out of a testing position, pressed back on the edge of their own penalty area. That stoppage has left both sides still aiming to settle on the ball.
Jedinak has just sent Huddlestone to the ground with an over-zealous challenge in midfield, attempting to stop him dictating play from deep. Chamakh meanwhile continue to struggle with that nasty cut, losing his bandage and racing to the touchline for another quick repair.
Palace enjoy a spell of possession in midfield as Gayle comes inside, bur have just one man in the penalty box when a cross eventually arrives. There is a noisy atmosphere at the KC, with the crowd attempting to rouse a response from Hull after a fairly uneventful opening.
Hull win a corner kick and get quality delivery from Huddlestone, but a striped shirt fails to attack his cross and Jedinak clears. Palace are quick to break as Chamakh does well to hold up a long pass before finding Bolasie, who takes on a speculative strike from out wide that flies over the target.
The hosts are just starting to get on top as they win another corner kick, but Chamakh is up to beat McShane and head away in his own box. Solid resistance from the strugglers so far.
Matters off the pitch have taken over as a "We Are Hull" banner appears from the home end, presumably a visible protests at plans to re-brand the club. Play continues as Bolasie drives out wide before being brought down by a clumsy challenge from Boyd, who slips before falling into the winger.
Bannan has a free kick knocked clear as Hull come forward at the other end through Boyd, who is hauled over by Jedinak. A quick delivery nearly catches Palace by surprise, but they regroup to block a header aimed back towards danger in a packed penalty area.
Palace break pace and not for the first time today, with Gayle eventually stopped by Davies as he attempts to cut inside. The striker wants a free kick but his appeals are turned away by the referee, who decides that Davies only made contact with the ball.
Chamakh makes another important defensive clearance as he comes back to help get rid of Hull's latest corner kick, making effective contact under pressure at the near post. Ward then does well to deny Boyd on the follow-up, keeping Speroni a relative spectator for now.
Bannan continues a bright start by whipping a devilish cross towards the back post, only prevented from meeting Chamakh by a vital block behind from Davies. Hull clear the following corner but the hosts are soon back on the counter through Bolasie, who is hopelessly isolated and eventually crowded out by two defenders.
SUBSTITUTION: Palace have finally been forced to admit defeat with Chamakh as he heads down the tunnel, with Jerome on to lead the line. That change will be keenly felt in both penalty areas for the visitors.
We have our first strike on target as Boyd hits an effort down into the ground, with the shot taking a deflection before scooping up kindly for Speroni to gather. Hull then drive forward again through Brady, but his pass in search of an overlapping Davies is poor and the move breaks down.
Elmohamady has just committed possibly the worst foul throw I have ever seen, once again stopping Hull in their tracks as they look to speed up play. Dikgacoi then wins a free kick thanks to a clumsy challenge from Boud, who is running the risk of being cautioned for persistent fouling.
Just three minutes of added time is signalled which is quite a surprise, particularly given the stoppage for Chamakh's tussle with McShane early on.
Palace clear successive corners and look to have done enough to hold firm at the interval, before Jerome is penalised for a foul at the other end of the field.
YELLOW CARD! Elmohamady is cautioned just moments before the interval and can have no complaints, cynically pulling Gayle back as he looked to break clear out wide.
HALF-TIME Hull 0-0 Palace
Well in truth that first half was fairly forgettable stuff, with just a single shot on target mustered by Hull despite Palace looking the more dangerous at times with pace down the flanks.
All of Hull's home wins this season have been by a single goal and that still looks a distinct possibility this afternoon. Palace have defended resolutely though in a first-half display Pulis can take positives from, looking far more organised than in previous away games.
With the match so tight options on the bench could have a huge say in who emerges victorious. Palace have already been forced to use Jerome due to Chamakh's cut, but could bring Puncheon on for added pace late on. Hull meanwhile have been devoid of creative spark so far today, leaving Sagbo largely anonymous in attack.
SUBSTITUTION: Here come the two teams, with Steve Bruce likely to have given his players a dressing down at the interval after failing to provide any inspiration in the final third. Hull have decided to make a change at the break with that in mind, swapping Brady for Danny Graham.
Back underway as Palace smash clear in search of Jerome, with Sagbo then penalised for nudging Jedinak in midfield. The Frenchman looks frustrated after a quiet first half.
Ward goes down after taking a kick to the ankle in a challenge with Boyd, limping back on to the pitch to a response of jeers from an unhappy home crowd. Figueroa then concedes a corner kick after coming across to stop Bolasie, but when the cross comes in Palace fail to get a single player making a break in the penalty area. Disappointing.
SAVE! Sagbo has just spurned by far the best chance of the match so far, taking too long to shoot from close range. His delay allowed Speroni to spring off his line and parry at full stretch. Palace then nearly break at the other end, with the hosts just denying Bolasie at the far post.
YELLOW CARD! Dikgacoi goes into the referee's notebook notebook after putting his hand in Huddlestone's face in an attempt to shield possession. The match has definitely opened up a touch as Palace nearly pick out Jerome with a dangerous cross aimed towards the far post.
SUBSTITUTION: Hull have been forced to make a change, with McShane struggling and becoming the second player forced off due to the effects of that early clash of heads with Chamakh. He is replaced by Liam Rosenior.
Bolasie forces Davies to smash out of play under pressure after chasing a long pass into the corner by Jedinak. Palace are playing some neat stuff in patches, but are still looking to force a meaningful effort on goal.
Moxey puts behind at the expense of a corner kick as Hull finally look to make one of these set-pieces count. Boyd's delivery is promising and catches Speroni out of place, but finds space rather than a teammate at the back post.
Bolasie nearly takes advantage of some sloppy play from Boyd, who stands on the ball before poking away aimlessly inside his own half. Bolasie picks up the loose ball and drives inside two defenders, before dragging a low strike wide of the target.
Huddlestone has been cautioned for a late lunge on Jedinak after the referee brought play back. Palace continue to grow in confidence as Jerome finds space in the penalty area, eventually closed down as his drive is hooked well wide. This match is very much still there for the taking!
Hull respond and nearly force the opener in a frantic goalmouth scramble, with Sagbo and Davies both failing to bring the ball under control as Palace scramble clear.
Figueroa needs treatment and forces a break in play after being caught by Bolasie, who knew little about it as his outstretched leg made contact with the defender's knee following a clearance. Another Hull defender may well be forced off here.
SUBSTITUTIONS: O'Keefe is on for Palace in midfield as Millen decides to reduce the risk of Dikgacoi picking up a second yellow card. Hull have also decided to make a change of their own, with Egyptian striker Gedo replacing Koren in a positive move.
RED CARD! Bolasie has been penalised after lunging into a late challenge on Livermore. The winger just over-extended in his attempts to win the ball back, with the referee deciding that the challenge was dangerous and warranted a straight red card.
GOAL! Hull 0-1 Palace (Bannan)
The 10 men lead just moments after losing Bolasie thanks to a wonderfully-worked goal turned home by Bannan. Jerome deserves much of the credit, weaving clear of his marker with a neat turn before unselfishly rolling across goal. Bannan saw the cross go between a defender's legs and confidently tucked home at the far post, giving the Eagles a precious breakthrough.
SUBSTITUTION: Palace make a final late change as Puncheon replaces Gayle, with Ward up high to head away Huddlestone's cross when play continues. Time for Hull to throw everything forward in search of a last-gasp equaliser.
SUBSTITUTION: Palace make a final late change as Puncheon replaces Gayle, with Ward up high to head away Huddlestone's cross when play continues. Time for Hull to throw everything forward in search of a last-gasp equaliser.
Ward clears again as Hull send another deep diagonal into the penalty area, with Palace sitting deep on their own box. We will have four added minutes.
Huddlestone can only find Delaney's header away as Palace repel another long ball, before Livermore's speculative drive trickles well wide and allows Palace to regroup.
OFF THE POST! An incredible finish as Livermore smashes the post from distance, just moments after Moxey had cleared a header off the line. Agonisingly close for Hull to an injury-time equaliser.
FULL-TIME Hull 0-1 Palace
All over at the KC Stadium and Crystal Palace have just their second win of the season, with Keith Millen signing off as caretaker boss in style thanks to Bannan's late winner. What a result for the Eagles, the first team to beat Hull on home soil this season.
That just about does it for live text updates from a Premier League basement battle, but be sure to stick with Sports Mole for analysis of home Palace earned three precious points.
Written by
Liam Power
Liam Power
