City were beaten after two late goals from the promotion favourites
Barry Cooper Hull City correspondent
21:48, 25 Nov 2025Updated 21:59, 25 Nov 2025
Darko Gyabi takes the ball forward for Hull City(Image: SmartFrame/Pro Sports Images)
Hull City’s six-game unbeaten home record was ended by two goals in four second-half minutes to see Ipswich Town win 2-0 at the MKM Stadium.
A fairly uneventful first half was shaded by the home side, who saw an effort from Joel Ndala turned behind by Town goalkeeper Christian Walton, while in-form Joe Gelhardt tried to catch him out from distance, shooting wide. Kyle Joseph had the best chance when fed by Regan Slater, but dragged wide from the edge of the box.
City continued to be the better team until Kieran McKenna made a triple change that brought Ipswich to life and almost immediately, Jaden Philogene crossed for Marcelino Nunez to head in the opener, and within four minutes it was 2-0 when Chuba Akpom turned in Jack Taylor’s cross from close range, from what looked an offside position, leaving City furious.
Philogene, the ex-Tiger, crashed off a post late on as the depth in quality in the two squads became evident, with the hosts missing the likes of Oli McBurnie, Matt Crooks, John Lundstram and Liam Millar.
Here’s how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players under the MKM Stadium lights…
Ivor Pandur: Got away with one early from a difficult back pass from Hughes and then gave away a corner for keeping the ball too long. Never looked comfortable all night. Had to be better for the second. 5/10
Ryan Giles: Made his 50th City appearance. Did really well defensively in the opening exchanges, covering well. Booked in the second period for a foul on Nunez, one he needed to make. Another impressive showing from Giles, though. 6/10
Charlie Hughes: Fizzed a ball back to Pandur which was awkward and then got caught out trying to get forward, but was good alongside Ajayi those moments aside. Caught underneath Jaden’s cross for the opener. 6/10
Semi Ajayi: Back in the starting XI, and in the first half, was back to his best. Really composed on the ball, and just knew where to be. Tough in the second half as it opened up. 6/10
Lewie Coyle: A 200th Tigers appearance for the skipper, who defended Jack Clarke well in the first half. Saw a shot blocked. Battled hard before coming off. 6/10
Amir Hadziahmetovic: Looked really sloppy early on. Does well to win the ball initially, before giving it away cheaply in poor areas. Showed some nice touches elsewhere. Protected the back four well. though. 6/10
Regan Slater: Strong in the middle of the park early on. Saw a shot blocked and teed up Joseph who should have done better. A proper shift from Regan. Did lose his man for the second. 6.5/10
Darko Gyabi: A return to the starting XI for the midfielder in the absence of Matt Crooks, and started well getting on the ball and feeding Ndala. A decent display. 6/10
Kyle Joseph: Won a thumping tackle inside the opening minute. Should have done better with a chance when freed by Slater. Worked hard, but needed to take that chance. 5/10
Joe Gelhardt: Had the game’s first shot after 10 minutes when he lofted one just wide from a good 40 yards out and tried again from closer which was saved. Booked for a clash with Greaves. Battled on with a late shot on target. 6/10
Joel Ndala: Started really brightly with a couple of runs into the box that didn’t quite come off and his effort forced a fine save from Walton. 6/10
Subs:
Mohamed Belloumi (for Amir 64): Couldn’t get on the ball at all after coming on, but on the plus side, getting a good 30 minutes or so in his legs was crucial. 6/10
Enis Destan (for Ndala 64): Left out to manage his minutes and give City a pressing channel up front, the game was quickly taken away from his team. 6/10
Cody Drameh (for Coyle 77): A late replacement for the skipper after the second goal, tasked with marking Philogene. 5/10
David Akintola (for Joseph 77): Couldn’t get into the contest after coming on with the game all ready gone. 5/10
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