Hull City secured a vital Easter Monday success at the MKM Stadium, overcoming Preston North End with a 2-1 victory that could prove pivotal in their fight against relegation. The match, held on April 21, 2025, saw Hull City come from behind after Lewis Gibson gave Preston the lead in the 34th minute with a well-placed shot from a corner kick.
Despite entering the match with the worst home record in the Championship, Hull City displayed resilience and determination. The turning point came early in the second half when Joe Gelhardt was awarded a penalty after being fouled by Mads Frokjaer-Jensen. Gelhardt confidently converted the penalty, leveling the score just four minutes into the half. He then added a second penalty in the 67th minute, sealing the win for the Tigers.
The attendance at the MKM Stadium was 22,103, with fans witnessing a thrilling encounter. Hull City’s manager, Rubén Sellés, praised his players for their grit and fighting spirit. “We showed character today. Coming back from a goal down at home is not easy, but the boys did it,” Sellès said post-match.
Preston North End, managed by Paul Heckingbottom, had started the match brightly and took the lead when Gibson capitalized on a poorly defended corner. His shot from close range found the back of the net, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy. However, Hull responded well, creating several chances before the halftime whistle.
As the second half began, Hull City knew they needed to come out strong. Gelhardt’s first penalty not only equalized the match but also ignited the home crowd. The atmosphere inside the stadium shifted, and Hull City began to press for a second goal. The Tigers’ attacking play was relentless, with several close attempts on goal.
“We knew we had to push harder after the break. The fans were incredible, and we wanted to give them something to cheer about,” Gelhardt remarked after the game. His performance was a standout, earning him a rating of 9 from the match analysts.
After Gelhardt’s second penalty, which came after a foul on Kyle Joseph, Hull City maintained their lead, although Preston continued to search for an equalizer. The North End had their moments but struggled to convert chances, with Hull’s defense holding firm.
Preston’s frustrations were evident as they sought to respond. They had a couple of chances, including a header from Liam Lindsay that was saved by Hull goalkeeper Ivor Pandur. The visitors also had appeals for a penalty waved away when Thordarson went down in the box, but referee Thomas Bramall was not convinced.
As the match neared its conclusion, Preston pushed forward in search of a late equalizer, but Hull City’s defense stood strong, and the home side managed to secure all three points. The win was crucial for Hull City, who now find themselves two points clear of the relegation zone, sitting in 21st place with 46 points.
In contrast, Preston North End’s sixth consecutive Championship match without a victory leaves them precariously positioned at 17th with 50 points, just four points above the relegation places. Heckingbottom expressed disappointment in his team's inability to hold onto the lead. “We had our chances, but we need to be more clinical. It’s a tough league, and we can’t afford to drop points like this,” he stated.
The match statistics reflected a tightly contested affair, with Hull City managing 9 shots to Preston’s 8, and both teams had 4 shots on target. Hull City also had the edge in corners, earning 8 compared to Preston’s 4. Despite the loss, Preston dominated possession, which they will look to improve upon in their upcoming fixtures.
Looking ahead, Hull City faces a crucial matchup against Derby County in five days, a game that will be vital for their survival hopes. Meanwhile, Preston will be looking to bounce back against a resurgent Plymouth Argyle side, also in desperate need of points.
The victory for Hull City marks a significant boost in morale as they aim to escape the relegation battle. “Every point counts now, and we need to build on this performance,” Sellès added, emphasizing the importance of consistency in the remaining matches of the season.
As the Championship season approaches its final stretch, both teams are aware of the stakes involved. With the pressure mounting and the fight for survival intensifying, every match will be critical. Hull City’s victory today not only gives them crucial points but also a renewed sense of belief as they look to secure their place in the league for another season.
