Stoke 2 Hull 0: Boateng knocked out as Tigers' dismal away run goes on

04 April 2010 00:44
The good news for Iain Dowie is that only two of Hull's six remaining games are away. Hull's dismal away run stands at 22 league matches without a win and it was not hard to see why their 13-month barren spell goes on.[LNB]At no point at the Britannia Stadium did they look capable of scoring and after Ricardo Fuller had given Stoke the lead in the sixth minute, the game was effectively over.[LNB] Net result: Ricardo fuller (floored, right) puts Stoke a goal to the good[LNB]Liam Lawrence added the second goal late on but Hull were goingthrough the motions and down to 10 men by then after a nasty injury toGeorge Boateng when all their substitutes had been used.[LNB]The experienced midfielder was kept in hospital last night with asuspected broken jaw he suffered trying to head the ball clear.[LNB]He was caught in the face by Tuncay as the substitute Stoke forwardtried an overhead kick. A nervous five minutes ensued as Boatengappeared be unconscious but Dowie's verdict was more optimistic.[LNB]'There was a great deal of concern because George had a lot of bloodin his airway,' said the SportHull boss. 'He was struggling to breathebut they suctioned that out and he was a lot more comfortable.[LNB] That sinking feeling: Hull slumped to their second defeat in three games under Iain Dowie[LNB]There was no malice from Tuncay, I think he was shocked too and hopefully George is fine, but it was one hell of a whack.'[LNB]Matt Etherington was impressive for Stoke and Hull had some decentpossession but there was a shared lack of edge after Dave Kitson hadflicked on for Fuller to run clear and score. 'It was a joke goal,'said Dowie. 'It was one we couldn't afford to give away and thatallowed them a massive foothold.'[LNB]Stoke's second goal was side-footed home neatly by Lawrence in the90th minute to take Tony Pulis' team past the 40-point mark, but theywere already looking up the table, rather than down.[LNB]'That is enough to keep us in the Premier League for another year,' said the Stoke manager.[LNB]'To get 42 points with six games to go is a great achievement.'[LNB] Ryan Shawcross didn't mean to break my leg, insists Arsenal's Aaron RamseyTHE FIRING LINE: The clock is ticking for Hammers boss Gianfranco ZolaSTOKE CITY FC

Source: Daily_Mail