Herrington’s man of the match stunner in first start for Hull
Lucas Herrington earned the BBC player of the match gong in his first start with Hull City after helping his new team eliminate Stoke in the Carabao Cup.
Hull City progressed in a penalty shootout on Wednesday (AEST) to keep their Cup campaign alive after a 1-1 draw at the end of regular time.
Hull City’s Lucas Herrington challenges Stoke’s Robert Bozenik in their Carabao Cup tie. Annabel Lee-Ellis/PA via AP
Herrington, who was in the spotlight for missing a penalty during Australia’s round of 32 loss to Egypt in a shootout at the World Cup, was not called on to exorcise his demons for Hull.
Hull goalkeeper Dillon Phillips saved a shot by Stoke’s George Hirst to break open the shootout. Hull’s Mohamed Belloumi then sealed the result.
Australian teenager Herrington was outstanding before the shootout, winning a series of impressive duels with Stoke attackers in the first half.
Still, Hull were forced to come from behind after Stoke’s Robert Bozenik found the back of the net in the 39th minute, putting pressure on Herrington and his teammates to find a quick response.
A back four combination allowed Herrington to show his versatility on the pitch, remaining in the action for the full 90 minutes for the first time with his new team.
Herrington did open the door for Hull shortly after Bozenik’s goal, but the shot was unsuccessful.
Then, in the 45th minute, Herrington’s teammate Kieran Dowell equalised to give the visitors hope.
Hull looked more likely of the two English sides to find the back of the net in the second half, but despite several efforts on goal they were unable to break the deadlock.
Herrington ended regular time with a 96 per cent pass accuracy within his own half, a figure which fell to 90 per cent by the time the full-time whistle was blown.
“Hard to believe he is still only 18 – composure on the ball beyond his years,” match caller Gary Taphouse said in awe of Herrington’s skill.
Hull’s win in the Carabao Cup comes just days after the newly promoted Premier League side upset Manchester United 2-0 in their first game of the season. Herrington came on in the second half of that win.
Sergej Jakirović will now shift his side’s focus back to the Premier League as they prepare to travel to face Coventry City on Sunday morning (AEST).
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