City search for goals after losing 3 in a row


By Hutchy
September 22 2005

Three defeats in their last three games has seen the Tigers drop to 18th place in the Championship and has left the supporters wondering when and where the next goal is coming from.

Despite playing some good possession football and creating numerous chances, the club followed on from their defeat at Crystal Palace with two 0-1 home defeats, going down to Stoke and Luton in similar fashion – having spells of pressure, missing chances then conceding late second half goals.

Should the fans be worried? While City has only conceded 7 goals this season they have only scored 5 in their 9 matches. The ‘top scorer’ status being shared by: Barmby, Fagan, Elliott, France and Burgess who are all on 1 goal.

Looking at the forwards; last years top scorer Stuart Elliott has failed to set this division alight, a solitary wonder goal that won the game at Plymouth being the exception, this season was always going to be less productive from his left wing position, but he has been guilty of missing several good chances he would have put away last year.

Last years favoured partnership of Nick Barmby and Craig Fagan has started in 5 games so far, with Barmby scoring at Sheff Wed and Fagan in the win at home to Brighton. The two forwards link up well together but have proved less effective when it comes to unlocking Championship defences. Manager Peter Taylor continues to substitute Barmby at around the 60-65 min mark for whatever his reason, be that tactical or fitness.

The summers big signing Stephen McPhee, who City brought in for 230k, has unfortunately been sidelined with injuries, and with big Ben Burgess struggling for fitness and form after his long layoff, Peter Taylor felt the need to bring in Chris Brown on loan from Sunderland. A big centre forward, Brown has been used as a target man upfront in the last 3 defeats partnering Nick Barmby. He has shown the ability to hold the ball up but has yet to find the net.

With goals looking scarce from the Defence and Midfield so far (particularly Leon Cort and Stuart Green – who contributed 6 and 8 league goals respectively last season), the focus is firmly on the strikers to produce the goods. With two tricky away games coming up at Coventry and Norwich, the Hull fans will be hoping the next goal comes sooner rather than later.