Hull City ended 2024 with a crucial 1-0 win at play-off-chasing Blackburn Rovers thanks to a late goal from Ryan Longman, to move out of the relegation zone.

It took until the 78th minute for the deadlock to be broken and it came at the Darwen End of Ewood Park, and in front of 1,200 jubilant away supporters.

Ryan Longman finished brilliantly after being played in by Regan Slater; the goal coming after the Tigers had, at times, rode their luck against in-form Rovers, but in the process. kept their first clean sheet since August 24, a run of 127 days.

Here's how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players at Ewood Park in the final outing of 2024...

Ivor Pandur 8

Little of note to do in the first period, but did need Jones to help out at one point to clean off the line. Had little else of note to do but did what he had to do really well.

Matty Jacob 6

Made his first start since the opening day against Bristol City. Found it difficult at times on his return against a lively Rovers attack, but a decent hour in his tank.

Sean McLoughlin 8

A new partner on the left side in Matty Jacob, and got away with a couple of nervy moments. Grew into it in the second half and was solid.

Alfie Jones 9

The Tigers' skipper in the absence of Lewie Coyle and started really well. Made a goal-saving block on the half-hour to keep City on terms, and a crucial clearance early in the second.. His goal-saving block in stoppage time was huge. Barely put a foot wrong.

Cody Drameh 8

Slotted back in on the right in place of Lewie Coyle, and had a tricky opening period against Tyrhys Dolan. A couple of nervy moments but played his part.

Regan Slater 7

Buzzed around well in the first period and had a couple of bites at an attacking cherry but saw his shots blocked. Coluld have scored again, created the winning goal.

Xavier Simons 7

Returned to the starting XI after illness. Made a crucial defensive header from an attacking Rovers corner. A decent showing on his first game back.

Gustavo Puerta 8

City's best performer in the opening period and that continued into the second. A really good display, and could have scored after Longman's goal, but hit the post.

Abu Kamara 7.5

Back in on the right side of the attack, and flitted in and out. One comedy moment when he passed the ball straight at Joao Pedro, who was lying on the floor outside the box. A much, much better showing.

Joao Pedro 7

No shortage of effort early on, but didn't have much joy in the penalty box. Ran his nuts off all afternoon. Shame he was just offside for Kamara's disallowed goal.

Mason Burstow 6

Started off the left and found it tough to get into areas where he could hurt the opposition before being replaced just before the hour.

Subs:

Lewie Coyle 7

(for Jacob 58): Was excellent when he came off the bench. Dealt with the threats really well. Just what was needed.

Ryan Longman 8

(for Burstow 58): Scored the winning goal, and almost had a second but for a really good save. City's matchwinner and his first for the club in more than two years.

Steven Alzate 7

(for Simons 58): After an iffy start, a really decent performance. Only dropped to give him a rest and his quality was evident in the final stages.

Fin Burns 6

(for Kamara 90): On to try and sure things up in the final seconds as Rovers surged forward to try and salvage something.

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