Marco Silva says Hull need supporters to back the team

By PA Sport

Image: Hull's FA Cup tie with Swansea was played out in front of just 6,608 fans as many stayed away in protest at the club's owners

Hull head coach Marco Silva has called on the club's stay-away fans to get behind their team after marking his first game in charge with a 2-0 FA Cup win against Swansea.

Silva, appointed as Mike Phelan's successor on Thursday, saw goals from Abel Hernandez and local boy Josh Tymon secure the club's first win in all competitions since November 6.

A crowd of only 6,608 witnessed the tie at the KCOM Stadium due to a boycott by Hull fans in protest against the club's owners.

"It's important for me that our fans believe in our team because we need help," said the former Sporting Lisbon and Olympiakos coach.

"We need the other fans to support our team because to change the situation, to change our position in the table, we need them.

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Image: The result gave Marco Silva a winning start to his time in charge of Hull

"I hope in the next (home) game against Bournemouth there will be more people to help support us to try and win the game."

"With a good atmosphere it's better, sure. If the atmosphere's not good, I want my players to focus on things happening on the pitch but I hope the next game we can change the situation."

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Image: Abel Hernandez celebrates scoring 12 minutes from the end to put Hull in front against Swansea

Silva made a positive impact in his first game, with each of his three second-half substitutes playing a part in the goals.

Hernandez marked his first appearance since being sidelined by a hamstring injury two months ago by breaking the deadlock in the 78th minute.

Tymon, 17, then scored his first senior goal in stoppage time, just minutes after stepping off the bench.

Image: Teenager Josh Tymon seals victory with the second goal moments after coming on and with virtually the last kick of the game

Shaun Maloney, the third substitute, was involved in both strikes but Silva - who expects Michael Dawson to be fit next week despite seeing him go off injured - said he had been fortunate with his replacements.

He said: "Sometimes it works very well. Today it's been very good. I took a little risk in Abel Hernandez because he hasn't played much, but he's an important player for us."

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