Hull on the verge of promotion

Published Apr. 20, 2013 7:15 a.m. ET

foxsports

Hull City moved a step closer to promotion to the Premier League despite being held to a 0-0 draw by already relegated Bristol City at the KC Stadium.

The point increased the Tigers' lead over Watford to seven points and a win for struggling Blackburn at Vicarage Road will see Steve Bruce's men promoted.

However, although Rovers have won their last two, it is likely the East Yorkshire club will need a positive result at Barnsley on Saturday week, or against leaders Cardiff on the final day of the season to see them secure a top-two place.

Hull have often been accused of failing to kill off teams in the npower Championship this season, but in truth relegated Bristol City were rarely threatened by what was a flat performance from Bruce's men.

Sean O'Driscoll's much-changed team sat deep and repelled Hull attacks although, much like the home side, struggled to create opportunities in the final third.

It took 24 minutes for the first meaningful shot on goal to be registered, as Robbie Brady made room 25 yards out, with his effort going just wide of Tom Heaton's near post.

Hull had an appeal for a penalty rightly turned down after 33 minutes when Fryatt and Gedo combined for the first time with the latter running through. In on goal the Egyptian went down under a challenge from Matthew Bates who seemingly outmuscled the striker.

It was a rare moment of excitement for the crowd, as Hull struggled to get going, with slow and inaccurate passing causing plenty of frustration in the stands.

After 38 minutes, Gedo combined with Stephen Quinn whose accurate cross found the head of the onrushing George Boyd who headed over from 12 yards, but that was as good as it got in a dull opening 45 minutes.

Six minutes into the second period and David Stockdale was tested for the first time by Steven Davies' low cross and although the on-loan Fulham man spilt the ball, no-one in red was on hand to tap home.

The visitors grew in confidence - no doubt buoyed by their ability to win the ball back with ease - and with men starting to break from midfield, looked more dangerous on the counter attack.

Sam Baldock had Stockdale scrambling with a low drive after 70 minutes, with the stopper thankful the effort ended up wide.

The home fans tried to spur their side on, but in truth the visiting back-line were more than a match and they deserved that bit of luck late on when Heaton kept out David Meyler's shot.