City roar into top six with a little magic

BUT THERE'S ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT

- By BARRY COOPER

Hull City's goalscoring against Portsmouth

(TONY KING/GETTY IMAGES)

For the first time in two years, Hull City can enjoy what it feels like to be back inside the Championship's top six after coming from behind to beat Portsmouth.

In what was a typically sticky, difficult game against a side fighting at the wrong end of the league, City were 3-2 winners thanks to goals from Enis Destan, Kyle Joseph and a stunner from Joe Gelhardt in the closing stages.

All that means that after 15 games, City sit fifth with a fifth win in their last seven Championship outings as we enter the latest break for international football.

Here, City reporter Barry Cooper reflects on another home success....

After 15 games, City have 25 points, and that's enough to have them inside the top six, which is probably more than anyone could have expected at the start of the season.

Since returning from the October break, Jakirovic's men have amassed 13 from a possible 18, which is a stunning return for a group of players still getting to grips with a new manager, crippled by injuries.

In truth, but for defensive calamities against Charlton and at Derby, it should be 18. That might be a strong statement, and they've ridden their luck at times as you need to in this league, but it's not unreasonable to suggest that impressive tally could, and should, be higher.

The fact that we can even talk in those terms shows what amazing progress has been made.