A valuable and welcome point that perhaps should have been three, The R’s travelled to Hull City and put in an excellent, professional performance that looked to have won the game before getting caught out in injury time.

Following last weeks point theft from Preston Luigi De Canio made two changes to his side. Lee Camp remained in goal but Damian Delaney returned to the back four following suspension. He lined up alongside Damion Stewart, Fitz Hall and Michael Mancienne. It was surprising that it was Matthew Connolly that was dropped to the bench but on reflection Gigi knows Connolly will be a part of his side next season, perhaps there is a little question mark over Stewart right now and he was given a chance to cement his future? 

In midfield Gareth Ainsworth replaced Mikele Leigertwood on the right (I cant believe I just typed that!) Gavin Mahon, Martin Rowlands and Hogan Ephraim kept their midfield berths whilst Patrick Agyemang and Dexter Blackstock took their striking partnership into a seventh consecutive game.  

Once Hull got the usual embarrassing pre-match shenanigans out of the way and the shrieking PA announcer disappeared for a gargle of TCP the match was underway.   

Rangers started well and fired in couple of early warning shots. First Ephraim’s long looping cross from the left meet the head of Ainsworth charging into the box but he had a lot of work to do from the edge of the area as Myhill saved. Then Ainsworth then punted a decent long ball forward from inside our own half, Agyemang did well to control it and maybe could have done better with the finish which was hit straight at Myhill and easily held. 

It wasn’t long before we were in front and it came in controversial circumstances. Delaney did well to win the ball in defence, released Agyemang who found Ephraim on the left. The Hulkster charged off cut into the box and released a dangerous ball across the area, the ball came off Wayne Brown was kept out by Myhill but the onrushing Blackstock scrambled it home.  

At the time I had no clue who had put it in but I was convinced it had crossed the line. Having seen the reply that might have actually been a tad over optimistic, but hey linesman are there to make these big decisions and I’m sure he had a better view than me! That’s three in four now for Dexter and regardless of the circumstances of this one his previously fragile confidence must be sky high now.  

The home fans were apoplectic now, as they usually are. They do whip up an atmosphere inside the KC but for me it’s one of negativity and whilst I’m sure it’s won them plenty of points from terrified officials personally I’d rather spend my time in a ground with a more positive outlook on things.  

Ten minutes later and Hull were awarded their best chance of the game when Stewart climbed all over the back of Dean Windass and a free kick was awarded just outside the D. Andy Dawson struck it well Camp was equal to it, turning it over his crossbar for the corner.  

Ten minutes before the break Manchester United loanee Frazer Campbell then had a shout for a penalty which, with the Hull crowd baying for blood, I was worried would go against us, but referee Laws waved it away despite the furious appeals.  

The half petered out with Rangers comfortable in possession and having taken a deserved, if possibly fortunate lead. We had done well to reduce Hull to pot shots, they looked far from threatening and after scoring twelve at home in the previous four games it was clear De Canio’s game plan was working.  

At half time one of my travelling companions remarked that Hull would be a different side in the second half, I said I hoped they’d be Colchester! Unfortunately it was still Hull but whilst they didn’t exactly come flying out of the blocks they certainly improved on a lacklustre first half display and began to muster something of a threat to Camps goal.  

Shortly into the half and De Canio was forced to reshuffle when Blackstock took a crunching tackle which eventually forced him from the field of play. Gigi opted to send on Leigertwood to shore things up with a five man midfield and whilst he was obviously trying to hang onto the lead perhaps retaining our shape would have been a better option with the introduction of Balanta. 

As the hour mark ticked past the disappointing Campbell went on a great run to win a corner. The set piece was cleared but Hull retained possession all the way back to their own half then mounted a second attack which ended with Caleb Folan, now on in place of the tubby Henrik Pedersen, heading a foot or so wide of Camps post.  

Rangers responded with Ephraim having a little drive from twenty yards but despite a deflection it couldn’t beat Myhill.  

Following that a long punt forward by Michael Turner was knocked down well by Windass to Campbell who turned but could only find the side netting with his shot. Campbell was looking lively now and found himself testing Camp with a six yard header which the Rangers custodian did well to control and gather.  

De Canio was forced into his second change up front when Agyemang, who was doing a good job of leading the line, picked up a knock and he was replaced by Balanta. The young kid is a livewire but not the sort of player I’d want to hold the ball up in long role up front but there were no other options available now. 

As the clocked ticked down towards the ninety minute mark the fourth official held up five minutes injury time and, much like last week, I had a feeling I knew what was coming, only this time it wasn’t a good feeling! Just one minute later Hull were level. Phil Brown had thrown everyone forward now, and when Folan’s crossed from the right it was Michael Turner who stole in at the far post and slotted home.  

Much like first half injury time another two minutes were found from the already extensive stoppage period but Hull were unable to pull out an undeserved win and the referee finally bought the game to a conclusion around five o’clock! 

Last week we didn’t deserve anything from the Preston game but we grabbed a point, this week I felt we were decent value for the win but we dropped two points. These things do even themselves out!  

Rangers coped well with Hull for the vast majority of the game; we reduced them to long shots and half chances and only let them have short periods of threatening possession. The injury time goal was a choker but we’ve now taken four points from one of the divisions top sides and that can't be bad. 

Man of the match - Damian Delaney: Hard to pick a stand out from what was a good team effort but I've plumped for Delaney. We’ve really missed him from the side; he makes such a difference at the back and, just as importantly, provides a cracking outlet going forward as well. Received a good reception from the Hull fans before the game and then got booed all through the game but put in a good individual performance in a solid team display.

ron@qprnet.com