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DARKO GYABI defeated second-placed Middlesbrough as Hull City closed the gap to just two points behind their rivals.
The 21-year-old netted the only goal, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches and strengthening their promotion ambitions.
Hull City’s Darko Gyabi (right) celebrates after scoring in the 12th minuteCredit: PA
However, it was another frustrating night for Middlesbrough as they failed to score for the third consecutive match, leaving them anxiously glancing over their shoulders.
Nothing quite compares to a cold, wet, late December Monday evening at the Riverside to bring you back to reality after the Christmas festivities.
This was meant to be a season of goodwill for the Tees under new Swedish manager Hellberg.
After starting with four consecutive victories following his takeover from Rob Edwards, including a 4-1 defeat of the Tigers just 24 days ago, a Scandinavian surge seemed imminent.
Just two weeks ago, they were seven points clear in the automatic promotion spots. Now, their hopes of ending a nine-year absence from the Premier League may be dashed before the decorations are even taken down.
While they led 4-0 at halftime in that earlier fixture, this time it was the Tigers who struck early, extending Boro’s troubling winless streak to three games.
Things did not start well for Sergej Jakirovic’s team, and you couldn't blame full-back Ryan Giles for wanting to avoid this place in the future.
The 25-year-old had a successful loan spell at Teesside in 2023. However, after returning for a disappointing stint last season, his first match at his former ground since scoring a last-minute own goal that handed Sunderland a 3-2 derby victory in February ended in further disappointment.
Giles, who already has eight assists this season, limped off shortly after injuring his knee while making a pass, taking away one of Hull’s key playmakers.
But Hellberg faced his own defensive challenges with several players sidelined due to injuries. It was makeshift center-back Matt Targett who was outmaneuvered for Hull’s opening goal.
Kyle Joseph spun past the on-loan Newcastle left-back and went around goalkeeper Sol Brynn, keeping the ball in play along the byline and passing it to Gyabi to finish.
This marked the midfielder’s first goal in ten games, putting the visitors firmly in control.
What was termed 'Hell-ball' turned into pure agony for the frustrated locals. The Reds struggled to find a way back. Hayden Hackney, who energized the crowd by hitting the post from an offside position while the game was scoreless, was the main architect but could not rally his teammates effectively.
A weak penalty appeal from Morgan Whittaker, who claimed he was pulled down by away captain Lewie Coyle, was about the best they could muster until Tommy Conway shot straight at Ivor Pandur from Hackney’s cross.
Only one goal in 19 matches, a penalty against QPR, now stands for the forward as his chances of making Scotland’s World Cup squad continue to fade.
Boro captain Hackney, 23, demonstrated why several top-flight clubs are keeping a close eye on him as he made solo efforts to pull the hosts back into the game, firing one shot directly at Pandur.
By the hour mark, Hellberg had seen enough. Delano Burgzorg, Aidan Morris, and Sontje Hansen entered the match, replacing the ineffective trio of Kaly Sene, Alan Browne, and Alex Gilbert.
The pressure mounted, but despite repeatedly launching the ball into the box, Boro could not penetrate the solid Hull defense, with Charlie Hughes standing out.
Finally, they found an opportunity. John Egan’s clearance fell perfectly for Burgzorg, but Pandur made a brilliant low save to deny him.
The Croat was again in action, tipping over Burgzorg’s mistimed lob as Boro kept knocking on the door.
But nobody was home. Hellberg’s misfiring squad is now set to face Derby County on New Year’s Day while nervously glancing downwards at Ipswich, who won 2-0 against league leaders Coventry earlier, as well as Hull.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the match between Hull City and Middlesbrough?
Hull City defeated Middlesbrough 1-0, with Darko Gyabi scoring the only goal of the match.
How does this result affect Hull City's promotion hopes?
The victory brings Hull City within two points of Middlesbrough, bolstering their chances for promotion.
What challenges did Middlesbrough face during the match?
Middlesbrough struggled offensively, failing to score for the third
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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