Howe's team cut the gap to the play-off places to three points after debutant Nathan Delfouneso's fifth-minute goal secured a vital win. Hull launched a second-half bombardment of the Clarets' goal but could not find a leveller as the visitors put in a rearguard action that left their young boss delighted.
"We showed a real desire to win the game. The second clean sheet in a row pleases me more than anything," said Howe.
"The lads were dogged and determined. We've tried to play quite compact and be difficult to penetrate and the whole team - from back to front - defended very well."
Burnley had to call on the services of Lee Grant to preserve their lead. The stopper kept out Andy Dawson's fierce volley and foiled Corry Evans with another superb save as the Tigers' fightback eventually fell short.
"When we needed him, our goalkeeper made some great saves," said Howe of Grant.
"He made some really good saves. He came for a couple of crosses when he needed to and punched some balls away."
Source: PA
