Middlesbrough 2-2 Hull City: Jarrod Bowen double earns Tigers draw

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Jarrod Bowen scoresImage source, PA Media
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Hull's Jarrod Bowen has scored 12 goals this season

Two Jarrod Bowen goals in four minutes saw Hull City come back to draw at 10-man Middlesbrough and maintain the pressure on Boro boss Jonathan Woodgate.

The hosts seemed destined for their first win in 10 games until Marvin Johnson's straight red card for a reckless lunge on Eric Lichaj while Boro led 2-0.

Marcus Tavernier poked Boro ahead from six yards from Paddy McNair's low cross and Ashley Fletcher doubled the lead, rounding Hull keeper George Long after fine interplay with strike partner Britt Assombalonga.

Hull initially struggled to make the most of the extra man until Bowen's long-range rocket halved their deficit, and the forward then turned in from close range to ensure they came away with a point.

The point moves Woodgate's side out of the Championship relegation zone on goal difference, with Grant McCann's Hull up to 14th.

Boro's first half was arguably their most impressive of the season, with Assombalonga and Fletcher a constant menace for the visiting defence - but Johnson's needless sending-off led to the latter being replaced at half-time as Woodgate looked for more solidity against the extra man.

Tom Eaves had a strong penalty shout waved away and Jordy de Wijs forced a save from Darren Randolph before Bowen's low thunderbolt from 25 yards, which took a slight nick off Eaves on its way past the helpless Boro keeper.

Bowen's second was more routine - his initial header blocked by Dael Fry back into his path, and the 22-year-old swept home the rebound.

He came close to a hat-trick and winning goal, but could not quite latch onto a thumping kick from goalkeeper Long.

The last time Boro went 10 games without a win outside the top flight was in January-March 1985, and Woodgate's side welcome bottom club Barnsley to the Riverside on Wednesday in what could be a pivotal match.

Middlesbrough head coach Jonathan Woodgate:

"We're disappointed. As long as we had 11 players on the pitch we were absolutely sensational. Then Marvin gets sent off. It's a lack of discipline. I've told him he cost the team and he knows that.

"You can't tackle like that and expect to stay on the pitch. What did he say to me? He said nothing. What can he say? He cost his team, he's disappointed. He can't answer anything back, can he?

"It feels like a defeat, we're really disappointed. I'll pick the players up and if we play anything like we did when we had 11 players on the pitch, we'll be fine."

Hull head coach Grant McCann:

"Jarrod is a top player, his first goal was an excellent finish. His second was one he has done on numerous occasions for Hull. Jarrod has real determination to be the best he can be.

"He has everything about him to be the Championship's top scorer. What will be will be, we are delighted to have him. We just want him to continue enjoying his football here.

"We will get games like that this season where we don't look our best. We showed great character. I'm really pleased with the response from the group second half to get into the game."

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