Hazard is the hero as Argyle dig in to tame Hull's Tigers

PILGRIMS GOALKEEPER PRESERVES A POINT WITH SOME SUPER SAVES IN LONG TRIP TO IN-FORM HULL

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

STEVEN Schumacher thought Plymouth Argyle deserved the reward of a point after their battling display in a 1-1 draw against Hull City.

In-form Hull, unbeaten since the first day of the Championship campaign, put the Pilgrims under a lot of late pressure as they chased a winning goal but Schumacher was pleased with the way his players put their bodies on the line, while goalkeeper Conor Hazard made a trio of crucial saves.

Midfielder Adam Randell had given Argyle a 22nd-minute lead and they almost extended it when a shot from Finn Azaz hit the inside of a post and then bounced across the front of the goal.

A mistake by defender Macaulay Gillesphey, making his first start of the season after a summer groin operation, led to Hull equalising in the 44th minute through Regan Slater, but despite chances at both ends during the second period there was to be no further goals.

Schumacher said: “Before the game we knew this was going to be a difficult place to come. I don’t think Hull City have lost here in their last 18 games, one of our analysts told me this morning.

“We expected a tough game and that was exactly what we got. I think Hull started really well. Once we settled down after the first 10-15 minutes I thought we looked good and composed, and caused them a few problems

“We scored a goal at a good time for us and almost got a second. I think if that goes in then we can be a little bit more in control of the whole game.

“For us to concede right before half-time was a bit of a blow from a mistake from us, and that gave them a bit of a lifeline. It was a tough game, even in the second half it was the same, it ebbed and flowed.