Hull City defender Semi Ajayi marked his first goal for the club with a pivotal performance, earning Man of the Match honors in a thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Stoke City on Saturday.
Trailing 1-0 at halftime after Sorba Thomas’s early strike for Stoke, Hull City needed inspiration. Just two minutes into the second half, Ajayi provided it. Capitalizing on a deflected volley from Joe Gelhardt, Ajayi headed home from close range to level the score. The goal stood despite appeals for offside and handball from Stoke players.
The match remained tense until the 90th minute when Gelhardt, on loan from Leeds United, netted his ninth goal of the season, securing all three points for Hull City . The victory propels Hull closer to the Championship play-off positions, marking their eighth win of the season.
The final whistle saw tempers flare. Hull’s John Lundstram appeared to provoke Stoke fans, leading to a confrontation involving multiple players. Security intervened as a Stoke supporter breached the pitch, and objects were reportedly thrown at Hull players. Referee Josh Smith issued yellow cards to Kyle Joseph and Lundstram for their involvement in the altercation.