Hull City 1 Portsmouth 0: Tigers were ‘fabulous’ says Pearson

Robert Koren’s goal early in the first half proved the differences but the Tigers were in control for most of the Chamionship encounter.

Hull manager Nigel Pearson described his players as “fabulous”.

“If we had won by three or four goals I don’t think it would have flattered us,” Pearson said.

“We were by far the better side and the players were fabulous. It was just what we were looking for.

“The tempo from start to finish was good and their keeper pulled off a couple of very good saves. In spells it was one of our best performances of the season.

“I’m very pleased with a third straight clean sheet and how the back five performed, but really it’s about the team performance.

“We have a young side and I’ve always had a lot of faith in our team, and the players should receive a lot of credit for that performance.”

Joe Dudgeon came in at left-back for Andy Dawson, who has been ruled out for six weeks with an ankle injury.

On-loan Leiceter striker Martyn Waghorn made his home debut, partnering Aaron McLean up front.

Hull took an early grip, Robert Koren curling a shot against the bar and Waghorn being flagged for offside as he knocked home the rebound.

It was not long before the Tigers took the lead, Koren smashing a right-footer inside Jamie Ashdown’s right-hand post after Tom Cairney had won a header in midfield.

The pace dropped but Hull continued in the ascendancy, Koren again going close, though Pompey had the ball in the net illegally when David Norris bundled Adriano Basso over the line after the goalkeeper had caught the ball.

Benjani continued to fight a lone battle up front for Pompey until Kanu came on in the 61st minute.

At the other end, Waghorn flashed a shot across the area and Ashdown did well to tip over a curling shot from Robbie Brady.

Pompey suffered a blow in the 79th minute when Luke Varney was shown a straight red for a foot-up callenge on Hull central defender James Chester.

Nick Barmby replaced Brady in the 89th minute as the Tigers comfortably kept Pompey at bay.