Grant McCann pleased to see Hull City impose themselves in win over Accrington Stanley

Mallik Wilks’s 12th goal of the season, Cardiff loanee Gavin Whyte’s first for the club and a penalty from substitute Josh Magennis helped send the Tigers top of League One after a deserved 3-0 win against Accrington Stanley.

While returning to top of the standings was enough cause for mild celebration, McCann was pleased with the way his team carried themselves against a Stanley team who have been, for some, the surprise package of the 2020-21 third-tier campaign.

“We had to be good because we were playing against – in my opinion – one of the best teams in the league,” said the Tigers’ chief.

“I thought we were excellent in the first half. Tactically, really good. We made them change their shape in the second half, which was a credit to the players and how they stuck to the plan.”

McCann admitted he was only able to relax after his team’s second goal arrived.

“To go in at 1-0, we felt there was more to come,” he added. “It was nice to see the second goal come when it did, so quickly after half-time. It was good play from Mallik, a good position he took up, he was strong and a great finish from Gavin.

“All in all, we had to be very good tonight against a well-drilled team who don’t change their shape for anyone. They haven’t this season and we made them do that and that’s a credit to the players.”

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