Tim Mercer's PNE Fans' Panel verdict - PNE performance was better than scoreline suggests

A good atmosphere generated before kick-off saw a full Town End waving flags supplied by organised fans’ groups who have made great strides over the year in reconnecting the fanbase with the club.

Talking of records, it was no doubt a proud moment for Daniel Johnson and his family as he made his 300th appearance in the Lilywhite shirt along with the Captain’s armband.

What a shame the team could not take the good chances created to get that first goal and a win on the record.

North End started the game well, with new striker Troy Parrott full of aggression and guile, including an improvised hook-back into the path of Emil Riis from a cross that had otherwise been overhit.

Riis did get the subsequent strike on target, but it only needed a routine parry by the visiting keeper to keep that score line stuck at nil-nil! Hull did come to a bit as the half wore on, but in the end it fizzled out to the extent that it was a relief to get onto the concourse for a half-time beverage.

After the break it was another home debutant, Robbie Brady, who nearly broke the deadlock with a fine strike from distance that took a deflection onto the post with the keeper beat.

Two more home debuts followed, with Alvaro Fernandez and Ben Woodburn replacing Brad Potts and DJ respectively. Both players had an impact, with Fernandez appearing to relish the wingback role in getting forward more often and thereby unsettling the Tigers’ defence with some neat touches and runs.

Also impressive for such a young and inexperienced player was his willingness to get back and do the more ugly defending part of his role. Woodburn showed some great touches, passing and vision to, with the best being late in the game.

With a neat dink to beat his opponent he put a beauty of a pass over the top of Hull’s defence and into the feet of Parrott. Through on goal, this was the Tottenham youngster’s moment, but he delayed too long as the angle narrowed and his shot was saved and then cleared off the line.

So, a slightly despondent feel at the final whistle that will not go away until the blunt edge of the attack is sharpened and some goals start to flow.

However, upon reflection the performance was better than the scoreline suggests, but also let’s be in no doubt that the need for the strikers to get off the mark will need to happen soon if a crisis of confidence is to be avoided.