Bristol City 1 Hull City 1: Pitman’s disputed late equaliser leaves Tigers chief fuming

Pearson claimed midfielder Tom Cairney had been fouled in the build-up and said: “My players are furious that we were not awarded a free kick.

“As a manager, all I am looking for is consistency from referees and their assistants. We didn’t get that and it cost us dear.

“We have defended brilliantly throughout the game, as has been the case in recent matches, and looked like holding on for another excellent victory. Instead, we are going home bitterly disappointed at not taking all three points, having scored a very good goal.”

Substitute Pitman headed Cole Skuse’s chip forward over Adriano Basso 12 minutes from time just as Ashton Gate fans were starting to get restless.

Robert Koren had fired Hull in front with a low right-footed drive after exchanging passes with Aaron Mclean on 56 minutes.

When Keith Millen responded by taking off strikers Jon Stead and Nicky Maynard following four home matches without a goal he was roundly booed. However, it proved the right move as replacement Pitman and Ryan Taylor at last started to stretch a previously untroubled Hull defence.

Basso was given a tremendous reception by home fans on his return to Ashton Gate, having spent five years as a Robins player.

He had to make the best first-half save palming over a 10th-minute shot from Marvin Elliott, who also sent a header just over. In the second half, Basso also saved well from Neil Kilkenny.

At the other end, former England goalkeeper David James spilled Martyn Waghorn’s shot from 25 yards and a weak effort from McLean.

Bristol City: James, Skuse, Wilson, Nyatanga, McGivern, Adomah (Bolasie 90), Kilkenny, Elliott, Campbell-Ryce, Stead (Taylor 62), Maynard (Pitman 62). Unused substitutes: Gerken,Carey.

Hull City: Basso, Rosenior, Chester, Hobbs, Dudgeon, Brady, Cairney, McKenna, Koren (Evans 71), Mclean (Fryatt 63), Waghorn. Unused substitutes: Gulacsi, Barmby, Adebola.

Referee: D Sheldrake (Surrey).

Man of the match: James Chester.