Hull City returned to earth with a Boxing Day bump at Deepdale, losing 1-0 to Preston North End to see the Tigers dumped back into the relegation zone.

A Brad Potts goal on the hour was enough to seal defeat for City, who were unable to build on the win over Swansea before Christmas.

A flurry of missed opportunities will leave Ruben Selles frustrated and another example of the job that lies ahead.

Here's how Tigers reporter Barry Cooper rated the players at Deepdale on Boxing Day afternoon.....

Ivor Pandur: Made a smart low save early on but had little to do in the first half. Coluld do nothing about the goal in truth. 6/10

Ryan Giles: Tried to link up with Mason Burstow down the left, which saw him caught out of position a couple of times. Came off at the break. 5/10

Sean McLoughlin: In for Charlie Hughes and found the going tough, at times, caught out of possession on occasion. Got back well to block one after being caught higher up. Headed at the goalkeeper in stoppage time from a Puerta free-kick. 5/10

Alfie Jones: Impressive display in the first period, looked calm and assured for the most part. Defended his box well for the most part, but could have done better with the positioning for the winning goal. 6/10

Lewie Coyle: Tough first half up against Kaine Kesler-Hayden and that continued in the second with with the winger creating the opening goal. Almost picked out an equaliser for Puerta seconds later. 5/10

Regan Slater: Could, and probably, should have opened the scoring after five minutes but blazed over. Booked five minutes before the break for a tactical foul in the middle of the park. Another frustrating afternoon. 5/10

Gustavo Puerta: He looked really lively in the early exchanges and confident. Came agonisingly close to levelling it up moments after the opener. A bright display. 6/10

Steven Alzate: Showed some quality touches early on, one in particular to pivot in midfield and drive into Preston territory. An accomplished display in the middle of the park. Seems to be growing into the team. A positive. 6/10

Ryan Longman: Not really in the first half with most of the contest played down the left. Just could not get into the game and came off ten minutes into the second half. 5/10

Mason Burstow: A first start since West Brom on November 10 and looked bright. Always a willing runner in the first half and tried in the second period, without much success in the box. 6/10

Joao Pedro: Saw an early shot well saved into the path of Slater who blazed over. Executed a lovely take down and overhead kick, but sadly, it was off target and the flag was up for offside. Not his day. 5/10

Subs:

Matty Jacob (for Giles 46): On at the break to replace Ryan Giles and did what he needed to do well in a defensive sense. 6/10

Abu Kamara (for Longman 55): Was cheered onto the pitch by the away fans, but couldn't find a moment of quality, or brilliance. 5/10

Abdus Omur (Slater 72): Didn't really impact the game in a positive manner with City chasing a way back into it. 4/10

Chris Bedia (for Pedro 72): Offered very little when he came on. I'd be looking to cut him loose in January. 4/10

Cody Drameh (for Coyle 84): Almost equalised, but his cross was brilliantly turned away by the goalkeeper before it nestled in the far corner. 6/10

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