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Live Commentary: Hull City 0-0 Bristol City - as it happened

Live text commentary of the game between promotion hopefuls Hull City and relegated Bristol City at the KC Stadium.
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Hull City moved a point closer to promotion from the Championship after drawing with Bristol City this evening.

Both sides had chances during the encounter at the KC Stadium, but neither could break the deadlock.

The result leaves the Tigers needing three points in their last two games to secure a place in the Premier League next season.

Read how all the action unfolded below.


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Good evening! It's just 45 minutes until kickoff at the KC Stadium. Let's start our build up to the match with a look at the team sheets for tonight's game.

Hull City Starting XI: Stockdale, Chester, Hobbs, Fryatt, Faye, Elmahamady, Quinn, Meyler, Brady, Gedo, Boyd

Bristol City Starting XI: Heaton, Nyatanga, Cunningham, Moloney, Bates, Kilkenny, Kelly, Foster, Adomah, Baldock, Davies

So there's one change for each side, with Gedo coming into the Tigers starting lineup in place of Robert Koren, who picked up a calf injury on Tuesday, while Richard Foster starts for the visitors in place of Paul Anderson, who drops to the bench.

Hull City are looking for their third win in a row against this evening's opponents. When the two sides met at Ashton Gate earlier in the season, it was a 2-1 win for Steve Bruce's side, while this fixture last season resulted in a 3-0 win for Hull.

Ahead of the game, Hull's manager Steve Bruce told the club's website: "It's such a big game that the adrenalin should be running through everybody.

"Tiredness isn't something we should even be talking about. Bristol have got to travel up here and we've got to make sure that we play with the energy and intensity to get us over the line.

"It's a big, big game – one where we must go and get a result to put the pressure on Watford. We're six points clear at the moment. If we can make that nine tonight, we'll give ourselves a wonderful opportunity."


Ahead of the game, Bristol City manager Sean O'Driscoll told his team's website why he won't be throwing on the kids, despite the club already being relegated: "We're in a place where our performances still matter, and I don't want to be throwing in youngsters that will struggle if the team struggles. It's an opportunity for the senior pros to maintain their level of performances until the end, but injuries will dictate."

Hull cannot secure promotion this evening, but a win will leave them needing just a point from their last two games. However, the Tigers could be promoted tomorrow, if Watford fail to beat Blackburn Rovers.

The hosts have been in mixed form in the Championship recently, taking three wins and three losses in their last six games. However, Bristol are bottom of the league's form table, taking just one point from their last six games.

In case you missed it earlier this week, Cardiff City became the first team to secure promotion from the Championship this season. Why not check out all the reaction to their promotion ahead of tonight's kickoff.

Looking ahead, Hull City face club's at opposite ends of the table in their final two games of the season, as they travel the relegation-threatened Barnsley next weekend, before ending the season against Cardiff.

Meanwhile, Bristol City are still to face two of the sides that were promoted from League One last season, with games against Huddersfield Town and Charlton Athletic to come.

A few final thoughts from Steve Bruce courtesy of Sky Sports News: "The one thing about the English league and the English players, they'll have a bit of pride about themselves. [Bristol City will] want to try and finish their season on a bit of a high."

It's good to see spring has finally arrived, it's bright blue skies at the KC Stadium this evening. The rapidly setting sun could be an issue for one of the keepers early in the game though

The players are heading onto the pitch ready for the game. Just time for a quick prediction before kickoff, I'm going for a 3-1 Hull City win.

The hosts get us underway.

Early pressure from the Tigers, as Matty Fryatt looks for Robbie Brady just in front of the Robins goal, but the Irish midfielder couldn't control the ball to get a shot away.

Stephen Quinn crosses the ball into the box from the wing, but Tom Heaton comes off his line to gather the ball. Judging by how Hull have started, it could be a busy night for the visiting goalkeeper.

Bristol City make their first attacking move of the match after Gedo caught Matthew Bates in the head with a high kick, handing the visitors a free kick. However, a long ball into the final third of the pitch is nowhere near a Robins player, and it's claimed by David Stockdale.

Boyd clears the ball to Fryatt, who takes it down the wing, with plenty of support in the box. He feeds it back to Boyd, but Bristol clear the danger before he can turn and shoot. Hull are showing impressive pace early on here.

The Robins break on the counter attack, but the somewhat worn pitch, no doubt a result of the recent return of the Super League season, catches them out, and Stockdale easily collects the loose ball.

The visitors are awarded the first corner of the game, which Kilkenny delivers. The hosts clear, but Kilkenny is able to whip it in again, and Steve Davies heads it behind to give Bristol another corner, but this time it goes out for a goal kick.

After a shaky start, Bristol have been looking pretty strong in the last five minutes. However, Liam Kelly spurned a chance, following a good build up from Sam Baldock, firing well high of the crossbar.

CHANCE! Albert Adomah forces the first real save from Stockdale, but in all honesty it wasn't a difficult stop for the on-loan Fulham keeper. Adomah unleashed his effort from just outside the box, the failed to get any real power on the ball, giving Stockdale plenty of time to get his body behind the ball.

Baldock crosses the ball to Richard Foster, who slides the ball into the box, but a mix-up sees the ball fall to Quinn, who makes the clearance for the hosts.

Quinn crosses the ball in from near the corner post, but his delivery heads straight to Heaton. A wasted opportunity, as Hull had plenty of support in the box.

Foster gives away a corner, looking to stop Brady from taking a shot. Brady delivers the corner, but is heads straight out the other side. Hull seem to be struggling with their communication, and Bristol City are still well on top at the moment.

CHANCE! Hull City's first real effort at the Bristol goal falls to Robbie Brady, but his strike from near the edge of the box flies just wide. Hull look like they're starting to find their way back into the game.

The crowd are starting to get restless, they think that Hull City should be showing more dominance here. But Bristol get plenty of bodies back as the hosts look to press up the pitch, trapping them in midfield before playing an offside trap. Clever defending from the visitors.

Gedo looks for a header, but Bates manages to bundle the ball away. Rather worryingly for the home side, Steve Bruce is already looking at his watch!

A strong build up results in Quinn pulling the ball back from the goal line into the centre of the box, but it lands at Kilkenny's feet, and the Australian easily clears the danger, launching Adomah down the other end of the pitch, but he loses the ball in the box, allowing Stockdale to gather.

OFFSIDE! Fryatt thinks he's beaten the last defender for a one-on-one with Tom Heaton, but the assistant referee's flag was straight up, much to the displeasure of the crowd.

PENALTY SHOUT! Gedo control a high ball, but is brought down by a collision with Lewin Nyatanga. However, the referee is not interested. Looking at the replays, it was physical defending, but there was no foul

Incidentally, Nyatanga will be needing some treatment at half time, there's an impressive display of claret coming out of his nose!

Elmohamady sends a dangerous looking cross into the box, but Kilkenny makes the clearance again. Steve Bruce's side are looking the more threatening again.

CHANCE! Robbie Brady is through on goal, but he's on his weaker foot, allowing Bristol to block his effort, but Quinn charges in, hitting the ball on the half-volley, and narrowly misses the target.

CHANCE! Bristol win a corner, but it's easily cleared, and they're back down the other end of the pitch. Gedo goes for goal, but the delivery was too high for the Egyptian, and he can't keep his effort down.

Hull win the ball in midfield, and Elmohamady tries to slot the ball in for Fryatt on the edge of the box, but his pass has too much pace, and heads behind for a corner.

It looks like both teams are ready for half time, neither have pressing in the last couple of minutes. Not long to go now

Foster delivers a long pass towards the Hull penalty area, but the hosts get the ball away before it falls to Adomah. There'll be just the one minute of stoppage time.

HALF TIME: Hull City 0-0 Bristol City

Well after the first 45 minutes, there is little to chose between the two teams. Hull started and finished the stronger of the two, but Bristol City were well in control for a lengthy spell midway through the opening period.

It's difficult to think that these two are likely to be two division's apart next season. Hull struggled to contain the visitors at times, while their attacking play was well matched by the Robins' strong defending. It's set to be an intriguing second half.

The statistics from the first half show just how close the two teams were. The Tigers just edged the possession with 51%, but Bristol City had two efforts on target, compared to just one for Hull.

Sean O'Driscoll's side have worked the offside trap brilliantly, catching their opponents out on three occasions.

Referee Michael Oliver had little to do in the opening period, as Hull City committed just two fouls, while Bristol had three, none of which merited a booking.

If the game does end goalless, Hull City can still be promoted tomorrow if Watford lose to Blackburn Rovers, who have it all to play for in the relegation battle.

Bristol City kick off the second half.

It's been a quiet opening few minutes in the second half, both teams looks like they just want a bit of time on the ball to settle their nerves.

CHANCE! Adomah and Davies linked up as Bristol push towards the hosts' goal, resulting in a strike by Adomah, but it's comfortably saved by Stockdale.

It looks like Adomah has pulled something during that move. The physio is out on the pitch examining the midfielder's knee. After a few moments, he's back on his feet and jogs to the sideline without discomfort.

Fryatt, Quinn and Boyd thread the ball through midfield before Gedo burst through into the box. However, he went too soon, and finds himself flagged offside.

Steven Davies delivers a dangerous looking cross, but Stockdale just managed to tip the ball to Chester with his fingertips.

Hull win a corner, which is taken short to Boyd, but it seems to catch his teammates out, and the ball eventually goes out for a goal kick. A waste of a set piece for the home side.

David Meyler is not happy after being penalised for a handball, but he gives away a free kick none the less. Looking at the replays, it was more inner elbow than hand, but it did look like he gained some control of the ball with it.

Baldock gets the better of Hull's back four before pulling the ball back for Davies, the the Tigers defenders regrouped in time to clear the danger. Both sides look strong on the attack at the moment.

CHANCE! Another move by Bristol City leads to yet another chance for Adomah, but once again Stockdale deals with it with ease. The Ghanian international has looked like the visitors' best chance of a goal this evening.

Hull go on the counter as Brady looks for Boyd, but Kilkenny gets to it first, and unleashes Adamoah down the right-hand sideline. Foster eventually delivers the ball into the box, but Stockdale comes out to kick the ball away.

Adomah gives away a free kick in a dangerous position following a clumsy tackle on Quinn. Brady sets it up, but sends it straight to Heaton.

SUBS! Hull City go for a double change, as Gedo is replaced by Jay Simpson, while Matty Fryatt makes way for Nick Proschwitz.

Steve Bruce will be hoping the fresh legs up front can give his side the lift they need. The Tigers have often looked rushed in the final third tonight, while Bristol's defenders have been calm and well-drilled

Proschwitz has his first sight on goal, but Foster taps it out for a thrown in before the German can get a shot away.

Proschwitz is through on goal again, but looks for support, and Heaton is able to claim the ball. The six foot three striker certainly seems to be stretching the visitors' back four.

Elmohamady sends a pass forward into the box, but Kelly puts it behind for a corner. Hull take it short again, and find themselves forced into midfield, giving Bristol time to reorganise at the back.

Since the double substitution it's been all Hull. Sean O'Driscoll will surely be following suit and making some changes shortly.

CHANCE! Baldock wins the ball in midfield but has no-one in support, so takes it on himself from range. He was a good 30 yards out, but the ball was just a foot wide. A good effort by the striker.

Bristol win a free kick, but Meyler gets it clear, and Jay Simpson takes it down the other end. Elmohamady has an attempt at goal, but it's woefully off target.

PENALTY SHOUT! Stephen Quinn goes down after tangling with Greg Cunningham, and the crowd back the players shouts for a spot kick, but Michael Oliver disagrees, and Bristol clear the ball.

The replays show Cunningham did have his hand on Quinn's back as he went down, but the contact was minimal, and the midfielder probably could have stayed on his feet.

This could still go either way. Hull have certainly had the majority of the chances after the break, but every time the visitors break into the Tigers' box they look dangerous.

SUB! Albert Adomah is going off, with Paul Anderson coming on for the final five minutes.

SUB! James Chester looks to have taken a knock during the Tigers' last attacking move. He's going off, while Liam Rosenior comes on against his former club.

CHANCE! Hull are pushing hard in the final minutes! Proschwitz's pace catches out the Bristol defence, and Heaton has to rush out to make his first real save of the game.

SUB! Wes Burns is on in place of Steven Davies for the final few minutes of the game.

There will be four minutes of stoppage time.

CHANCE! Heaton makes a superb save to prevent David Meyler from snatching a late winner. The Irish midfielder hit the ball superbly from just inside the box, but the Bristol City keeper was equal to it.

SUB! Brian Howard comes on for Sam Baldock

Hull win a late free kick, and everyone but Stockdale heads up for it, but it ends with an offside, and that should be about it for the match.

FULL TIME: Hull City 0-0 Bristol City

Bristol City record just their second clean sheet away from home this season to share the points with Hull City. Both sides had chances in the game, but the home side will be disappointed not to have snatched a winner late on.

That's all from the KC Stadium this evening. Hull will be cheering for Blackburn Rovers tomorrow, as the Tigers will seal promotion if Rovers beat Watford. Join us again then for coverage of all of the Championship games. Until them , thanks for joining us this evening, good bye!

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