English League Championship NAHKI WELLS – HUDDERSFIELD TOWN
Adama Diomande saved Hull's blushes in stoppage time, but a 2-2 draw at Nahki Wells’ Huddersfield means automatic promotion now looks beyond Steve Bruce's side.
City were on course for an immediate return to English football's top table until recently, sitting atop the Sky Bet Championship in late February.
However, they now languish nine points behind the top two with six matches remaining, having twice come from behind to secure a point that edges David Wagner's Huddersfield away from danger.
Huddersfield were struggling to get behind the visitors' defense, so were trying their luck from distance, with Joe Lolley dragging wide before a Wells snapshot forced Allan McGregor into action.
The Bermudian flashed wide as Huddersfield coach David Wagner's side enjoyed a spell in the ascendancy, which Hull almost punctured as Hernandez raced on to a long ball and brushed off Mark Hudson, only for Steer to smother.
Some wonderful saves from McGregor kept Hull in the match, denying Wells from Rajiv van la Parra's through-ball and then wonderfully stopping Emyr Huws' header.
Wells forced the Scotland goalkeeper into another save before Hull rattled the crossbar, with Huddlestone afforded too much time to get away a 20-yard strike that was deflected on to the frame of the goal.
English League One RAI SIMONS – CHESTERFIELD
Rai Simons was not a member of the Chesterfield team that held on with 10 men to secure a precious 2-1 win at Barnsley.
Lee Novak headed Chesterfield in front before Adam Hammill's deflected effort brought the scores level. Jamal Campbell-Ryce was then sent-off before Ollie Banks scored the winner.
English League Two REGGIE LAMBE – MANSFIELD Reggie Lambe and his Mansfield Town teammates returned to winning ways with a very accomplished and professional performance away at play-off hopefuls Carlisle United.
Mansfield recorded their ninth away win of the season for the first time since the 2003-04 campaign thanks to a fantastic result on a beautiful day in Cumbria.
“A goal in either half put Mansfield firmly in control after make-shift full-back Colin Daniel opened the scoring with a confidently struck effort inside the box after twenty minutes. Winger Lambe further extended the Mansfield advantage with a deflected strike midway through the second period.”
Speaking after the match, Lambe said, “It’s a great effort from us, we pushed hard and we made sure we got the three points today. Coming back into the team and getting a goal after being on international duty; that’s great for me and for the team.
“We stuck to the game plan very well and (I give) praise to everyone on the pitch to keep going for the 90 minutes and even when the subs came on, I think they did brilliantly as well.
“I think us trying to defend properly, staying on our feet and not giving away silly fouls (helped) – keeping the ball and attacking as a team as well, I think we did that very well today.”
