Accrington Stanley v Hull City – Honeyman providing sweet added touch for Tigers

While captain Richie Smallwood has tipped him as a strong contender to be Hull’s player of the season, coach Grant McCann has pointed to the hard work of his colleagues which helps make the midfielder “phenomenal”.

The Tigers go to Accrington Stanley tonight top of League One and unbeaten in six matches. Honeyman registered a ninth assist and third league goal this season in the 4-0 win at Portsmouth.

“His set-piece deliveries are outstanding, his energy is unbelievable, and if he keeps popping up with goals like (Saturday’s) he’s going to be a contender for player of the season,” said Smallwood, who felt Saturday was his own best performance for the club.

“He’s phenomenal,” said McCann. “His assists speak for themselves this season and his deliveries are always dangerous.

“Cliff (Byrne, McCann’s assistant) and Barry (Richardson, the goalkeeping coach) work very hard on set plays. You can only score from set plays and defend them well if the players buy in and sometimes as a player you can be standing around freezing but our boys buy into it.”

Hull’s second game in a week against Accrington, beaten 3-0 at the KCOM last week, kicks off at 5.30pm, providing a chance to increase pressure on their promotion rivals, including Portsmouth and Lincoln, who meet at Fratton Park.

Last six games: Accrington Stanley LLLWDW; Hull City WWDWDW

Referee: W Finnie (Bedfordshire)

Last time: Accrington Stanley 2 Hull City 2, August 11, 2015, League Cup.

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