David Akintola made his first goal contribution in English football but Hull City were ultimately swept aside in a big 4-2 defeat against Bristol City at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.
The Nigerian forward, who joined Hull this summer after a spell in Turkey, contributed an early assist in just his third appearance for the Tigers. Hull City also signed Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi a few weeks ago but the former West Brom star is currently out injured.
The 29-year-old midfielder wasted no time in stamping his authority on the match, stealing possession after only three minutes and sliding a neat pass through to Joe Gelhardt. The striker finished clinically to give Hull a dream start, with Akintola registering his first assist in English football.
That early breakthrough, however, proved the high point of Hull’s afternoon. Bristol responded with determination, drawing level in the 18th minute through Emil Riis.
The home side pressed harder as the half progressed, with McCrorie and Anis Mehmeti combining for their second before Riis struck again to put Bristol 3-1 up before the interval.
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Hull battled to stay in the game, with Kyle Joseph heading narrowly wide in the second half following another dangerous delivery from Akintola.
Yet Bristol’s attacking waves kept coming, and Max Bird’s crisp left-footed finish in the 78th minute sealed a dominant win. Joseph’s late consolation for Hull did little to change the outcome, as the Robins ran out comfortable winners.
Despite the defeat, David Akintola was one of the few bright sparks for Liam Rosenior’s side.
The winger showed his playmaking instincts with five key passes and two big chances created. He was tidy in possession, completing 76% of his 17 passes, and contributed defensively with two tackles. His ability to stretch defenders was also evident, winning four ground duels and attempting four dribbles.
By the time he was replaced in the 68th minute, Hull had already been overrun, but David Akintola’s sharpness and creativity stood out in a side that otherwise struggled. His performance underlined why Hull secured his signature in the summer, and despite a bruising defeat, his first assist in English football offered a glimpse of promise.
Akintola will look to grab his first goal for Hull City when the Tigers take on Swansea after the international break.