City back down to earth with a thud

RUTHLESS BORO EXPOSE TIGERS' FAILINGS

- By BARRY COOPER

Hull City were brought back down to earth with a heavy bang at the MKM Stadium on Friday night, as Middlesbrough put them to the sword with four first-half goals.

Boro took advantage of some horrific defending to lead 4-0 at the break, and though City regrouped in the second half and scored through Joe Gelhardt’s penalty, this was a chastening evening.

The Tigers have now shipped 34 goals in their 19 games, and Boro took advantage of their inability to do the basics and cut out those errors that have blighted their campaign so far.

Had it been coming?

In fairness, City have ridden their luck at times this season. There have been games where they've been battered in periods and escaped. Norwich and Stoke in the first half spring to mind as two examples.

Boro, though, showed no mercy and with their four first-half goals, took City to the cleaners and royally embarrassed them in front of the television cameras.