Gelhardt proves spot-on for a priceless win

SECOND-HALF FIGHTBACK HELPS TIGERS STAY ABOVE THE DROP ZONE WITH VICTORY OVER PRESTON

- By BARRY COOPER

Joe Gelhardt double gave Hull City a priceless 2-1 victory over fellow strugglers Preston North End to keep their heads above relegation water for now, with only two games of the season to go.

The Tigers now know if they can beat Derby County next Saturday, they'll be safe.

The hosts were behind when Lewis Gibson turned in from close range after City conceded a needless corner, and then failed to deal with said ball into their area. It was a sorry tale and one that has been all too familiar.

So often guilty of conceding early in the second period, City were the ones who found the back of the net early on when Gelhardt was kicked in the head inside the box, and he stepped up to slot in the penalty just five minutes into it.

The Tigers were good value for their victory and produced a huge home win, just a fifth of the season, especially on a day when Luton Town and Derby County both secured massive wins of their own, while dragging North End back in trouble.

Selles made four changes from the side beaten at Swansea on Friday, with Steven Alzate back in the side at the expense of Gustavo Puerta, while Nordin Amrabat was handed a first start in place of Lincoln, and there were returns to the starting XI for Abu Kamara and Kyle Joseph in place of Kasey Palmer and Joao Pedro.