Hull City 2-1 Queens Park Rangers: N'Doye the hero for Tigers

A last minute Dame N’Doye header gave Hull a crucial win over fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers. This meant Hull completed a double over QPR for the first time since 1963.

Hull took the lead with Nikica Jelavic’s volley, his second in as many games. Controversy ensued when Joey Barton was sent off for what looked like a punch below the belt on Tom Huddlestone, the one man advantage wasn’t capitalised on as Charlie Austin grabbed his 14th of the season. Just as it was destined for a draw, up stepped Dame N’Doye who headed home his second goal in two games.

Queens Park Rangers boss Chris Ramsey handed 19 year old Darnell Furlong, son of former R’s striker Paul, a full senior debut. He also gave Charlie Austin a start after a foot injury. Hull manager Steve Bruce named an unchanged side for the first time since September, with Dame N’Doye and Jelavic starting up front again after linking up well in the 2-0 win over Aston Villa last time out.

The home side certainly started the brighter, with the first chance falling to David Meyler. The ever energetic Ahmed Elmohamady sent in a cross which met the head of Meyler. But Furlong was there to clear, he looked strong on his first ever start. Hull’s bright start was rewarded when Jelavic volleyed the ball past Rob Green in the R’s goal.

It was Jelavic’s 12th Premier League goal for Hull, surpassing the record goals in the top flight, beating Geovanni’s long standing record. Their goal was well deserved as Hull continued to dominate the first half.

However as half time approached Rangers captain Joey Barton saw red for punching Huddlestone ‘below the belt.’ He was reacting to an Alex Bruce tackle, and he pushed the defender, before squaring up to Huddlestone, and appearing to aim a punch at his ribs, but his punch seemed to hit Huddlestone where it hurts. This meant Barton has a stunning record of seven yellow cards and a red in his last eight appearances.

Just after the sending off, up stepped Charlie Austin who gave the visitors an equaliser. R’s winger Matt Phillips sent in a cross for Austin to head home. It was his 14th of the season and his celebration saw the English striker mock his Hull medical snub last season. He pretended to limp hitch was a clear reference to Hull refusing to sign him because of a knee problem last season.

Just before half time Hull nearly scored an instant reply. Robbie Brady’s free kick was spilled by Green, but before Hull could get anything to it, the Rangers defence cleared the six yard area. The game was level at half time and as the second half began, the game appeared to die down a little. Neither side had a real chance. As the game was heading for a draw, the hosts grabbed a winner. New Hull signing Dame N’Doye climbed highest to a cross and headed home his second goal in as many games, breaking Rangers hearts in the process.

The Senegalese striker gave Hull a priceless win which means the Tigers climb four points clear of the relegation zone. QPR however are still sat dangerously close to the drop zone, and with Burnley drawing at Chelsea, Chris Ramsey’s men will surely be looking nervously over their shoulders.