The Tigers beat Oxford United 3-2 at the MKM Stadium
17:16, 17 Aug 2025Updated 17:23, 17 Aug 2025
Oli McBurnie celebrates the winner against Oxford United(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Oliver McBurnie popped up to score a 93rd-minute winner against Oxford United on Sunday to hand Hull City victory in their first home win of the season under new boss Sergej Jakirovic. A breathless half saw City roar into a second-minute lead through Joe Gelhardt’s powerful finish, only to see Will Lankshear equalise within seven minutes.
Gelhardt teed up Matt Crooks to make it 2-1 after 20 minutes, only for Cameron Brannagan to capitalise on some more poor defending from the Tigers to volley in the equaliser six minutes later.
The second half never really quite lived up to the drama and excitement until McBurnie lifted the roof off the MKM Stadium with a fine winner in stoppage time.
Here’s how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players at the MKM Stadium on Sunday afternoon….
Ivor Pandur: Could have done better before the first one and should have saved the second, looked slow to react. Got away with one when he passed straight out to Lankshear. Smart save in the second period from long-throw threat Vaulks. 6/10
Ryan Giles: So, so good going forward down the left side put in a couple of belting balls. Provided the telling assist for McBurnie’s winner. 7/10
Charlie Hughes: In open play, looked really good, but will be furious at both goals. Aside from those two, was a good performance from City’s in-demand man. 7/10
John Egan: Like Hughes, in open play was fine but will be unhappy with how City defended Will Vaulks’ long throws. Looked more assured in the second. 7/10
Cody Drameh: Got up and down the pitch well, perhaps could have done better with the opening goal in the ball being kept alive at the back post. Bombed up and down in the second. 7/10
Matt Crooks: Fluffed a good chance early on but made up for it with a fine strike to make it 2-1. Will wonder if he could have got closer to his man for both first half goals. 7/10
John Lundstram: Always keen to get on the ball, and get things moving at tempo. Rarely gave the ball away when he was able to get on it. 7/10
Kasey Palmer: Looked like a threat, but maybe could have been sharper to get out to block Brannagan; he just ambled out and didn’t stop him. Some good bits going forward. 6/10
Joe Gelhardt: Scored a wonderful opener to get things rolling, and turned provider for Crooks to slot home the second. A lively display in the first period. Forced a smart save from the goalkeeper late on. 8/10
Joel Ndala: Really bright display for starters, always keen to get on the ball and make things happen. Created a fine chance for Crooks on what was a really positive home debut. Warm ovation from the crowd when he went off was fitting. 7/10
Oli McBurnie: Always in the game up front, had the ball in the net but was offside. Linked up nicely with Gelhardt which is encouraging moving forwards. Man of the moment with the winner. 8/10
Subs:
Abu Kamara (for Palmer 66): Saw a shot blocked in the second half as City pushed for a winning goal. Laid in Giles to cross for the winner, and hammered away as Oxford pushed for an equaliser. 6/10
David Akintola (for Ndala 66): Had a good opening when he raced towards the box but overplayed it for Giles on the inside. Keen to get on the ball. 6/10
Regan Slater for Crooks 87): Did what he needed to do after coming on. 6/10
Kyle Joseph (for Gelhardt 87): Had one opening at the near post but was well blocked. 6/10
Akin Famewo (for McBurnie 90): Thrown on to try and see things out as the visitors pushed for a third equaliser. 6/10
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