Hull City 1 Bolton 0: Altidore the star in stripes as Tigers claim vital victory

23 August 2009 10:06
Hull got a few monkeys off the back as they registered their first points of the season, but where do Bolton go from here? It was a case of 12th time lucky for Phil Brown's team, who had to stretch their memories back to 2008 to recall their previous home win. Kamel Fathi Ghilas celebrates scoring against Bolton Kamel Fathi Ghilas celebrates scoring against Bolton And what is more, a striker got the winning goal. Although Kamel Ghilas, a low-profile signing from the Spanish second division struck decisively, it was American international Jozy Altidore who seemed to win the hearts of the fans in a 30-minute cameo performance. The fans chanted 'USA, USA' and gave Altidore a rapturous send-off after his 'assist' within 10 seconds of replacing Caleb Folan. Seyi Olofinjana headed Andy Dawson's free-kick into his path, Altidore nudged it on and Ghilas whacked the ball jubilantly past Jussi Jaaskelainen. A goalless draw had seemed a near certainty until that moment, though Bolton had created enough chances to be home and dry. Johan Elmander sums up their current plight. The �8.2million Sweden striker appears to be suffering stage fright. He could not buy a goal last season and missed the target as early as the second minute at the KC Stadium. He continued in the same vein until his 70th-minute substitution by Korean Lee Chung-Yong. And with Kevin Davies equally culpable in front of goal, it always looked a barren day for Gary Megson's side. High and mighty: Hull City's Stephen Hunt (right) challenges Bolton's Zat Knight High and mighty: Hull City's Stephen Hunt (right) challenges Bolton's Zat Knight They have yet to score a goal this season and Megson ruefully reflected that next up in the Premiership are the small matter of Liverpool. Hull were desperate to get off the mark after a 5-1 humbling at the hands of Tottenham on Wednesday and early signs indicated that a nervous-looking Michael Turner, given a grilling by Spurs' hat-trick hero Jermain Defoe at White Hart Lane, was still bearing the scars. The crowd was equally tense during a humdrum first 45 minutes but came to life with Altidore's inspired substitution. Brown has not finished in the transfer market and is hoping to add at least two more new faces before the window closes a week on Tuesday. Aerial challenge: Johan Elmander of Bolton is tackled by Stephen Hunt Aerial challenge: Johan Elmander of Bolton is tackled by Stephen Hunt He said: 'I have to sell this club to them for the next 10 years and if we hadn't won today it wouldn't have been easy. This result helps.' Megson knows he needs to add firepower to a feeblelooking attack but will take solace from the number of chances his team created. 'We suffered from one lapse, charging forward and then losing shape,' he said. 'As manager I will circle the wagons in the dressing room. But we have a great set of lads who want to do well for the club, and we will work towards getting things right.'

Source: Daily_Mail