Hull 1-1 MK Dons: Reaction from Steve Bruce and Karl Robinson
Saturday 12 March 2016 19:22, UK
Hull manager Steve Bruce admitted to a feeling of frustration after his side were held to a 1-1 draw by Sky Bet Championship strugglers MK Dons at the KC Stadium.
Bruce's side moved up to third in the table, above Brighton on goal difference, as the visitors remain a point above the relegation zone thanks to a hard-earned point.
MK Dons took the lead early in the second half when Hull left Antony Kay unmarked from a corner and he planted a firm header into the back of the goal.
Sam Clucas equalised three minutes later with a fine free-kick but try as they might in the remainder of the second half, the Tigers could not break down the visitors' resolute defence.
"We're frustrated but we didn't play anywhere near well enough in the first half. We've played better in the second half," Bruce said. "First half we didn't move the ball quick enough and gave the ball away in bad areas."
Bruce admitted his side, without a win in three Championship games or at home since the 6-0 demolition of Charlton in mid-January, need to improve their performance ahead of two games in the coming week against Nottingham Forest and Middlesbrough.
"At the end of the day I pick the team but I scratch my head and ask why we've played like that in the first half," said Bruce. "We've got to take away the nerves and a little bit of edginess which may be creeping in."
Hull were without Jake Livermore, Robert Snodgrass and Nick Powell who were all injured in the build-up to the game.
Bruce revealed: "Unfortunately Jake tweaked a knee yesterday in training. Snodgrass and Powell both picked up little niggly injuries.
"We don't know who's going to be available on Tuesday (to play Forest) but thankfully Jake is not a horrendous one. I think it's 50-50."
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MK Dons manager Karl Robinson felt Hull striker Abel Hernandez appeared to use his hand to control the ball before winning the free-kick on the edge of the area from which Clucas earned his side a point.
"I thought it was a handball that led to it," Robinson said. "Despite being disappointed at conceding the equaliser Robinson did not point the finger of blame entirely at referee Jeremy Simpson.
"They are a team, the officials, and referees get slated up and down the country," he said. "As a group of four they should be judged and he wasn't assisted right today and that was disappointing."
Robinson praised his players for their work rate and their application in securing a valuable point.
"I thought there were two completely different halves," Robinson added. "I thought the first half we dominated and moved the ball unbelievably well.
"For a team where we are to come to the KC Stadium and perform the way we did was excellent.
"Second half, playing one of the best teams in the league, we knew how hard it was always going to be. I thought my players' application was sensational.
"For our hunger and our desire I think we deserved more than we got."
