Sergej Jakirovic delighted to see Hull City take second-half control over Sheffield Wednesday

The Tigers only really got going after Wednesday took the lead through Jamal Lowe, but crucially they responded almost instantly through Matt Crooks, and added a second on the stroke of half-time when Dominic Iorfa put through his own net.

And really, even if they had not gone on to play well from there, adding a third through Kyle Joseph, it was all about the result, with Southampton, Wrexham and Derby County all applying pressure in the race for the play-off spots.

"I'm very pleased with the boys," said Jakirovic.

"I think they put everything on the pitch because it was not an easy game. I expected a tough and demanding match because no one has beaten them easily. They are organised, they're trying to press the ball, press you.

"The first 20-25 minutes, it was not easy to find gaps between their lines. They were very compact.

"When we conceded this goal (from Lowe), we started to play much faster, much more combination with short passes. Then we equalised 1-1 after 94 seconds.

"The second goal was very important before the break. I just said to the players that without counter-attacks in the second half, we must be very organised with offensive marking because they are very fast in front. Also, be patient on the ball, play around until space will come.

"Also, unselfish running from Kyle in the middle zone when we are back three with Lunny (John Lundstram) there and two double eights, Liam (Millar) on the left side.

"I think Cody (Drameh) killed the game. He played a very good, fantastic game.

"The third goal, it was everything done.

"It was a great three points for us, especially when I'm looking now at table points, it's very tough."

On the back of Iorfa's own goal, Hull were able to calm the game down a bit in the second half.

"That was the main plan in the dressing room at half-time," said Jakirovic. "When you control, you play at your own tempo.

"Maybe we should have scored one or two (more) goals because we had great opportunities there – Mo Belloumi with two nice shots from distance – but we controlled everything."

The biggest concern of the day was Regan Slater leaving on crutches after injuring his ankle.

"He's not so good, but we will try to use this international break (to get him fit)," said Jakirovic.

"He was on crutches. This is normal protocol. After the medical exam we will see what the damage is.

"He's been struggling with this left ankle almost all season. I think the opponent player stood when he did this tackle. That's what I saw."

Hull now do not play again until Good Friday, when they are at Oxford United for the first of seven matches to complete the regular season.