Hull City deserved a share of the spoils after a spirited showingBrandon Thomas-Asante is challenged by Charlie Hughes (Image: Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The Sergej Jakirovic era got off to an unbeaten start with one of the toughest away assignments of the season, with Hull City earning a 0-0 draw at Coventry City.

Coventry hit the bar from distance in the second period but it’s hard to argue the Tigers were not value for a point away from home on opening day.

Jakirovic’s men were strong, resolute and defended well against one of the Championship’s most fluid attacks, and they’ll be pleased to come away with a point on the board.

Here’s how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players in the CBS Arena sunshine on Saturday afternoon….

Ivor Pandur: Smart save to deny Rudoni’s header – one for the cameras. Didn’t have a huge amount to do in truth. 7/10

Ryan Giles: Put in a delicious cross for Slater, who saw his volley blocked by Joseph at the near post. A really good, solid display at both ends. 8/10

Charlie Hughes: Amid firm interest from the hosts, showed why he’s rated so highly early on with a terrific block to deny Rudoni. Solid all afternoon. 8/10

Semi Ajayi: A debut for the former West Brom defender, looked very assured in the first period. A man mountain in the heart of the back four. 8/10

Cody Drameh: Stuck to his task really well against Jay Dasilva and Ephron Mason-Clark early on. Excellent in the second and saw off plenty of danger. 8/10

Regan Slater: Had a couple of half-chances, the first a volley from Giles’ cross, which Joseph blocked and the second when he should have done better after being played in by Ndala. 6/10

John Lundstram: Straight into the heart of the Tigers’ midfield, and tried to orchestrate things. Created a great opening for Crooks in the first half. A performance full of graft. 6/10

Matt Crooks: Busy in the middle of the park. Lovely ball in behind for Slater in on goal but the flag was up. Had a good chance from Lundstram’s lovely ball. Used his experience well throughout. 6/10

Joel Ndala: The youngster’s Championship bow and he showed some nice moments, defensively, did well early on. Fashioned a wonderful chance for Slater. Needed to get on the ball more because he’s a danger. 6/10

Abu Kamara: A couple of early runs up against Dasilva, couldn’t really get much going in the first half in terms of chances. Did have a great one at the start of the second period, seeing his shot saved at the near post by Rushworth. 6/10

Kyle Joseph: Charged with leading the line despite the arrival of McBurnie and found the going tough. Didn’t really have a sniff in the first period or the second. 6/10

Subs:

Kasey Palmer (for Slater 70): Greeted well by the Coventry supporters who used to cheer him. A couple of nearly moments in his short cameo. 6/10

Oli McBurnie (for Joseph 70): On to a huge reception from the away supporters. Got involved in one clash towards the end. Useful run-out after nothing in pre-season. 6/10

Joe Gelhardt (for Kamara 80): The returnee was roared onto the pitch like McBurnie before him. Couldn’t get involved but did some useful work defensively. Another useful run-out. 6/10

Nathan Tinsdae (for Ndala 89): Crossed one which sparked a melee after Crooks clattered the goalkeeper. Good clearance late on in his own box. 6/10

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