Gyabi strikes as Tigers sign off 2025 in style

CITY HAVE TO DIG DEEP TO BEAT MIDDLESBROUGH, BUT IMPRESSIVE WIN MARRED BY INJURY TO GILES

- By BARRY COOPER

Matt Crooks and Alan Browne vie for possession

(ANNA GOWTHORPE/ SHUTTERSTOCK)

Darko Gyabi’s early goal was enough to seal a 1-0 win for Hull City at promotion rivals Middlesbrough, as the Tigers moved to within two points of the automatic places.

In a year that started with fears of relegation to League One, it ends with dreams of promotion to the Premier League, after a 12th win of what's fast becoming a stunning season.

The depleted Tigers roared into a 12th-minute lead when Darko Gyabi turned in at the near post from Kyle Joseph's cutback.

City had to withstand pressure late on, without ever really being tested and saw out one of their most impressive victories so far.

Sergej Jakirovic made four changes from the side that was held to a 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday on Boxing Day, with two of those enforced.

Mo Belloumi was missing as he faces up to three months out with a hamstring injury, while Oli McBurnie was only fit enough to be on the bench, having complained of some pain in his leg.