Hull City 2-0 Birmingham City: Bowen at the double in Tigers win

Hull City top scorer Jarrod Bowen struck a goal in each half to secure a victory that moved the Tigers level on points with opponents Birmingham City.

Both sides had early chances to take the lead with Birmingham's Lukas Jutkiewicz shooting wide before Hull's Marc Pugh tested Lee Camp.

Bowen opened the scoring midway through the first half, rifling his shot into the roof of the net after being played in by Pugh.

His second came from the penalty spot - having been fouled by Camp, he picked himself up and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure the win with 30 minutes to go.

Shortly after conceding the first goal, Birmingham had a chance to hit back but Jutkiewicz headed wide from Maxime Colin's cross.

Kamil Grosicki almost doubled The Tigers' lead just before half-time but rolled his effort wide as the Tigers went in 1-0 up at the break.

Jutkiewicz headed straight at Marshall in the early stages of the second half as Birmingham tried to find an equaliser.

But on the hour mark Hull extended their lead when Bowen was hauled down by Camp in the penalty area and the home side's top scorer made it 2-0 from the spot.

Birmingham's leading marksman Che Adams then had an opening but could only shoot into the side netting and Connor Mahoney struck an effort narrowly wide.

Bowen had the chance to seal his hat-trick with 10 minutes remaining but could only find the side netting after racing through on goal.

His goals against Blues were expected to see him equal a club record for scoring in seven consecutive home games.

However, his strike against Millwall on Tuesday has now been credited to Markus Henrikson, with the club appealing the decision.

The result sees the Tigers move level with Birmingham on 50 points. Hull remain below the Blues on goal difference, with both sides just four points outside the play-off places.

Hull City manager Nigel Adkins told BBC Radio Humberside: "I'm very pleased by the win. The atmosphere was great and the players worked their socks off. We played some brilliant football and could have been out of sight by half time.

"We've reached that landmark total of 50 points, that pretty much guarantees us Championship football next year and we can look forward to the rest of the season now.

"We're in the play-off mix. It's a challenge but why not embrace it. Our home form has been exceptional. We've appealed Jarrod's goal (against Millwall) on Tuesday, it's clear it comes off him last and it would have been great for him to equal the record."

Birmingham City manager Garry Monk told BBC WM 95.6: "It's been a tough week. We have a small squad and we looked a bit jaded today.

"To carry one or two players is ok but it's most of the team, so its more difficult. That's not an excuse but it's had an effect on the performance levels today.

"We weren't at our usual level. When you're not as fresh physically and mentally, decision making goes a bit off. Next week we have a massive game (against Aston Villa) where we can't afford to not be on it. I have no doubt that you'll see the right response in the next game."