Hull City earned a vital win in their battle against relegation from the Premier League by beating Liverpool 1-0 this evening.
Michael Dawson's goal was enough to lift the Tigers four points clear of the relegation zone and inflict a damaging blow to Liverpool's hopes of qualifying for the Champions League.
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Mario Balotelli had an early chance for the Reds after winning a free kick in the opening minutes, but his attempt from the resulting set piece deflected wide of the post.
The visitors then came close to breaking the deadlock as Dame N'Doye met Sone Aluko's cross, but Simon Mignolet got down to beat his header to safety.
Liverpool began to take control of the match and Philippe Coutinho forced a save from Steve Harper after meeting Jordan Henderson's low corner.
The Reds continued to press and midway through the first half Balotelli was picked out inside the box by Raheem Sterling, before attempting to score from a back heel, but his effort was straight at the keeper.
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Moments later Hull almost caught the visitors out on the break, as Robbie Brady burst down the left before driving in a low cross that was beaten away by Mignolet. The ball then dropped kindly to Jake Livermore, but his header was clawed away by the keeper.
The Tigers did manage to punish their opponents by taking the lead in the 37th minute, as Michael Dawson found himself free inside the box to head Tom Huddlestone's cross into the far corner.
Liverpool looked for a quick response and Henderson saw his hooked attempt from Jordon Ibe's delivery palmed away by Harper.
On the stroke of half time, the Reds created another decent opportunity to score when Glen Johnson raced to the byline and pulled the ball across the face of goal, but none of his teammates were able to get a touch as Hull took their lead into the break.
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After the break, Henderson was denied by Harper again, as his stinging volley from the edge of the box was tipped behind by the keeper.
Henderson looked to be his side's best hope of grabbing an equaliser and he fired in a powerful drive from range that required Harper to make another stop.
Adam Lallana was next to threaten for the Reds, but after cutting inside from the right, he curled a shot narrowly wide of the far post.
Despite a barrage of late pressure from the visitors, they were unable to find a way past the Hull defence as the home side held on to claim the three points.
Alex Meyers
