Jakirovic hails City's huge win

SERGEJ Jakirovic hailed Hull City’s 2-0 win at Norwich City after becoming the first Tigers boss to return to East Yorkshire victorious in 15 years, and just the second in 53 years.

- By BARRY COOPER

A fourth goal in as many games from Joe Gelhardt got City off and running four minutes into the second half, before Darko Gyabi stepped off the bench to seal the win three minutes from time.

It wasn't all plain sailing for City, who were awful in the first half and fortunate to go in at halftime goalless, having been second best all over the park.

Jakirovic admits his side survived before he changed shape at halftime and sent on Semi Ajayi, which sparked a major upturn in fortunes, and Gelhardt's strike turned the game on its head.

“We survived in the first half," Jakirovic told the Mail. “They were much better than we were, much better. We couldn't do anything, especially, | can say, in possession, out of possession. And we survived. Maybe in the 15 minutes towards the end of the first half, we tried to drop with Amir so that we have more stability in the defensive line.

“With Semi (Ajayi), we gained stability and tried to press them with two wingers and Kyle in front. Then it's one against one all over the pitch, and especially when Joffy (Gelhardt) scored the goal, then it's your confidence, it's much better. They are under pressure because of five defeats in arrow.

“We tried to use that, but they were much better. You have to get to halftime (goalless), and | knew at halftime that we cannot play like we did in the first half.

“This is not possible as we didn't show up here. It's a huge victory, especially after 15 years, so we broke the curse and also the third win since 1972.”

Key to City’s resurgence in the second period was the introduction of Ajayi, who had been rested with two more games coming up in the week ahead.