Source: Daily_Mail
Hull 2 Fulham 0: Bullard and Fagan claw Tigers to brink of safety
Iain Dowie tasted victory in his first home game as Hull boss as theTigers gave their survival hopes a major boost with three pointsagainst Fulham at the KC Stadium.[LNB] Starting second from bottom and on a run of five consecutivedefeats, Hull knew time was running out for them to turn things around.[LNB] Tigers roar on: Craig Fagan is congratulated after his crucial strike[LNB] [LNB]But Jimmy Bullard calmed the home fans' nerves with a 16th-minutepenalty and Craig Fagan doubled their advantage with a looping headerjust after the break as Hull moved level on points with 17th-placedWest Ham. [LNB]Roy Hodgson's selection indicated Fulham have bigger fish to fry,with Wolfsburg due at Craven Cottage on Thursday for the first leg oftheir Europa League quarter-final.[LNB] Dowie had plenty of injury problems to contend with ahead of thematch and, as expected, Andy Dawson and Stephen Hunt failed to make itwhile Caleb Folan, who netted twice on his return to the side againstPortsmouth last week, was ill. [LNB]Only 13 years ago these sides were meeting in the bottom tier of the Football League.[LNB] Both have enjoyed meteoric rises since then but Hull knew victorytoday was vitally important in their bid to avoid a return to theLeague. [LNB]But from their first attack the visitors came close to taking the lead. [LNB]Clint Dempsey held the ball up on the edge of the box and Zoltan Gera forced Boaz Myhill to push his shot away. [LNB]The home crowd were becoming frustrated as Hull struggled to findany rhythm but in the 16th minute they were handed a golden chance totake the lead. [LNB]Bullard found Altidore in the area and the American striker turnedaway from Smalling, who wrestled him to the ground six yards from goal.[LNB] [LNB] Fulham pay the penalty: Jimmy Bullard converts from the spot[LNB] Andy Townsend's Boot Room: Aston Villa need a touch of Yorkie's magicSorry Jimmy Bullard focused on the fight to keep Hull City upHULL CITY FC
