Michael Dawson's first goal for Hull City has given the Tigers a 1-0 lead over Liverpool at the halfway stage of their Premier League match this evening.

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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.

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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.

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 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.