Stunning second half comeback sees Hull City seal landmark victory at Stoke City

-Credit: (Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)


A stunning second half turnaround from Hull City saw them beat Stoke City 3-1 and finally end their long, long wait for a victory of any kind under Tim Walter.

For the fifth time in six league games, City conceded first and it was another poor goal with Ben Wilmot rising unchallenged at the near post to power in a header on the half-hour mark, their lead intact at the interval.

A much improved second half display saw City level it up when Mohamed Belloumi was tripped by Eric Bocat inside the box, and after seeing his penalty well saved by Viktor Johansson, Kasey Palmer nodded in the rebound just after the hour.

READ MORE: Stoke City 1-3 Hull City highlights from the bet365 Stadium

Off the bench, Regan Slater slammed in with 13 minutes to go and a couple of minutes later, Palmer's cross was turned into his own net by Wilmot, to complete a sensational turnaround.

Boss Walter made three changes to his side from the defeat to Sheffield United a week ago,- with Cody Drameh, Oscar Zambrano and Kasey Palmer coming in to start, with Ryan Giles, Fin Burns and Abu Kamara all dropping to the bench where they were joined for the first time by goalkeeper Carl Rushworth and Steven Alzate.

He was unable to call upon Charlie Hughes, Ryan Longman, Dogukan Sinik and Andy Smith through injury with the quartet not expected back until after next month's international break.

After a red and white light show lit up the dark Stoke on Trent night and roused the home supporters, they almost fashioned the dream start for their new manager when Drameh's pocket was picked outside the box, the ball fed into Bae Junho on the left side of the area, he turned, before firing into Pandur's side-netting.

A fairly even contest thereafter in the opening stages, City did go close to hitting the target when Coyle's challenge in the air saw the ball drop nicely to Belloumi who angled a volley inches over the bar, and shortly after that, after two Stoke players tackled each other, the Algerian winger blazed over from the edge of the box, but it was encouraging how much space he was finding.

There was a big moment of contention early when Gibson led with his elbow into the face of Zambrano from a Stoke corner, but referee Ben Toner didn't deem at appropriate to send him off, despite replays suggesting that should have been the outcome.

City were getting some joy down the right side, and after Coyle's lung-bursting run, Drameh tried to fashion an opening on the edge of the box, he was felled by Koumas, and from the free-kick 20 yards out, Palmer bent it over, but it was another sign the visitors were carrying a threat.

The warning signs were there, and when Million Manhoef won the ball off Zambrano and surged forward, his shot was turned behind by Pandur, and then came the opening goal. In came Junho's corner and at the near post, Wilmot got in ahead of Bedia to power in the header.

Drameh and Palmer both had shots blocked from the edge of the box, and though Walter's side were working some good moments down both flanks, they just did not look like taking full advantage.

It should have been 2-0 before the break when a Tigers corner was cleared quickly and the hosts were racing away with Manhoef, but instead of passing to Cannon alongside him, went alone and slammed his shot well wide without working Pandur.

Liam Millar was introduced at the break, replacing Omur on the left flank and immediately looked to get involved, his shot at goal City's first on target, only to see a flag up for offside, before his deep cross was over-cooked and behind.

Just before the hour, Zambrano and Mehlem were withdrawn with Regan Slater and Xavier Simons coming on, Zambrano coming off after being hurt in a challenge, while Stoke made their first with Emre Tezgel replacing Lewis Koumas.

City had a glorious chance to level but Bedia's header from six yards was terrible, but looking to pick up the pieces, Eric Bocat tripped Belloumi and the referee pointed to the spot.

After waiting an absolute age, Palmer's kick was brilliantly saved by Viktor Johnasson but the rebound came straight back to Palmer who headed in the rebound to score City's second goal from open play this season, and have them deservedly on terms.

Off the bench, Slater slammed in a terrific strike for the second season in a row at the bet365 Stadium after good work from Millar to see City lead a game for the first time under Walter, and it was joy unconfined moments later, when Palmer squeezed in a cross from a tight angle that hit Wilmost and squirmed underneath Johansson, City 3-1 in front and their fans could scarcely believe it.

On came Fin Burns for Palmer, who got a standing ovation from the away supporters for a fine display, with Mason Burstow an even later arrival for the hard-working Bedia.

Nine minutes were added on at the end, but this was a night Walter, and those supporters in Staffordshire will not forget in a hurry, because it's been a long time coming, 149 days since their last on April 24 in Coventry, ironically, against Palmer's former club.

For Acun Ilicali, who made the trip to Stoke from Istanbul, it was one worthwhile and now, he'll hope his side can back it up against bottom side Cardiff next weekend on a day of special significance for the club as they celebrate their 120th anniversary.

Stoke City: Johansson, Tchamadeu, Bocat, Gibson, Wilmot, Thompson, Burger, Junho, Manhoef, Koumas, Cannon. Subs: Bonham, Dixon, Rose, Stevens, Seko, Sidibe, Chibueze, Tezgel, Ennis.

City: Pandur, Drameh, McLoughlin, Jones, Coyle, Zambrano, Mehlem, Omur, Belloumi, Palmer, Bedia: Subs: Rushworth, Giles, Millar, Burns, Simons, Alzate, Slater, Kamara, Burstow.

Referee: Ben Toner

Attendance: 23,366 (757 from City)