Saturday 7 November 2015 21:38, UK
Hull manager Steve Bruce hailed his side's best performance of the season after a 3-0 win over Middlesbrough at the KC Stadium kept them top of the Sky Bet Championship table.
The Tigers had gone into the game leading the promotion pack and another fine performance against one of their main rivals gave more evidence Hull can secure a quick return to the Premier League.
Hull opened the scoring just before half-time when Mohamed Diame finished with a pinpoint half-volley for his third goal of the season following a cross by Ahmed Elmohamady.
They increased their lead midway through the second half when Sam Clucas also scored his third goal of the season with a clinical finish.as he redirected David Meyler's shot into the bottom corner.
Substitute Tom Huddlestone crowned the performance with a fine left-foot shot as Hull maintained their unbeaten home run for the season.
David Nugent and George Friend had Middlesbrough's best chances but the former England striker fired wide across goal and the full-back shot straight at Allan McGregor as the visitors carried little threat.
Asked if it was his side's best performance this season Bruce said: "Considering the opposition it probably has to be. It was a really terrific performance.
"We looked a very decent team today and long may that continue. If we finish above Middlesbrough we will give ourselves an outstanding chance. On the day we were the better team by a distance and let's hope that continues.
"We've got to handle the pressure. We've got people who have played in the Premier League and internationals.
"We're not going to get carried away because it's a long winter, especially in the Championship."
Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka felt his team had not matched Hull for ambition, particularly after Diame had given the home side the lead just before half-time.
He said: "This season I have one of the best squads in the league so I was thinking after other games we need to have more ambition.
"They are one of the best teams in the league so when you do not have ambition this is what happens.
"When you are not ambitious and when the other team is ambitious, and a good team with very good players, this is what happens."
Karanka said he would look to deflect the pressure from his team, who are regarded as one of the favourites for promotion.
"The pressure is on me because I want to have the pressure," he said.
The Middlesbrough manager felt his side had let their performance drop after Hull took the lead.
He said: "The first half was the game I was expecting, with chances for us and chances for them. When they scored we didn't play with the same intensity and ambition as them."
