Hull 0-0 Leeds: Tigers forced to settle for draw

Relegation-threatened Hull failed to turn an impressive performance into three points as Nouha Dicko missed an open goal during a 0-0 draw with Leeds at the KCOM Stadium.

The former Wolves striker somehow diverted the ball over the crossbar from a yard out early in the second half.

Visiting goalkeeper Felix Wiedwald also made a string of fine saves to keep Hull at bay, leaving the Tigers just outside the Sky Bet Championship drop zone on goal difference.

Their performance deserved more against a Leeds side decimated by injuries and suspensions, but Nigel Adkins' team remain with just one win in their last 16 league matches.

The stalemate was another blow to Leeds' play-off aspirations and a sixth game without a victory in all competitions left them four points off the top six.

While Hull were preparing for their FA Cup clash with Nottingham Forest, which they won 2-1 on Saturday, Leeds' shock defeat to Newport in the previous round allowed them to head to Murcia for a warm-weather training camp.

But United looked far from refreshed in the opening half and were almost behind in the third minute when Fraizer Campbell skipped past Conor Shaughnessy and side-footed wide.

Shaughnessy hurt himself during the build-up to Campbell's miss and was stretchered off, handing Leeds a further setback.

Boss Thomas Christiansen was forced to move Gaetano Berardi inside to centre-half and bring on winger Stuart Dallas to operate at right-back.

Wiedwald was called into action for the first time in the 23rd minute, keeping out a 25-yard Jarrod Bowen shot before tipping Dicko's half-volley wide moments later.

The German then showed his reflexes, using his legs to stop low efforts from Jackson Irvine and Bowen as Hull pushed for a goal their play deserved.

Dicko should have scored the winner in the 53rd minute when the striker headed over with the goal gaping after Wiedwald parried half-time substitute Kamil Grosicki's cross into his path.

Leeds struggled to get a foothold in the game and had to rely on half chances, Pablo Hernandez slicing a half-volley well wide from the edge of the box.

Pierre-Michel Lasogga, who scored twice against Millwall last time out, then created space on the edge of the box and curled an effort narrowly wide.

Hull kept knocking on the door but, despite Campbell bringing the best out of Wiedwald at the death, they did not have the quality to break Leeds down.

The managers

Nigel Adkins: "That was a good performance from the players tonight. We just played against Leeds United, they have not had a shot on target. We have run over the top of them and totally dominated the game. Yes, I wanted the three points, but it is another good clean sheet.

"That is a group of players who have shown passion, commitment and desire. They are playing for the shirt, the supporters, the club and each other. We all want to win games of football. I know that, I understand that and I appreciate that. We are doing what we can and having a right good go. They are totally committed. We are in a relegation battle, but this team is fighting and we are grafting."

Thomas Christiansen: "It is a good point, especially with a lot of players suspended and injured. We knew it would be difficult, especially the direct play we expected from them. We took one point and a clean sheet. I am satisfied with all the courage the players showed."

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