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Ruben Selles' managerial masterstroke pays off for Hull City against Leeds United

Hull City manager Ruben Selles celebrates with assistant boss James Oliver-Pearce
-Credit:Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images


Abu Kamara responded in the best way possible to a difficult couple of days on, and off the pitch, as the winger scored his first two goals in Hull City colours to earn a point in a pulsating Yorkshire derby against Leeds United.

Having taken an early lead through Kamara's lovely lob, Leeds came back to lead 3-1 after a dominant second half showing only for Joao Pedro to pull a goal back and then Kamara popped up in the final minute to crash in a fierce volley.

Twenty-four hours on from his impromptu apology, which many felt was unnecessary, Kamara endeared himself to the City public with a display full of character, courage and quality to help his side earn what may yet prove to be a crucial point in their battle against the drop.

READ MORE: Hull City boss delivers transfer update on Anthony Racioppi and Chris Bedia

READ MORE: 'It will stay with me for life'- Abu Kamara basks in the glory of Hull City strike against Leeds United

Here, City reporter Barry Cooper looks back on a derby to remember at the MKM Stadium....

Ruben's Midas touch

Many questioned the logic behind Selles' impromptu press conference before the game, but it felt like a clever move at the time and so it proved. Not only did the manager turn the tide on the public perception of Abu Kamara before the game and potentially take the sting out of any adverse reaction on matchday, he also got one heck of a response from the 21-year-old, who left the field seconds before the end to a standing ovation, something he could only have dreamed of the night before.

His two goals were high on quality and exactly the reason City spent so much of the summer trying to bring him to the football club.

Selles has got a lot of things right in the first month of his fledgeling tenure at City, and already, you can feel the bond he's creating, not just with his players but the supporters, too. This could have backfired, but in the end, it turned into something of a masterstroke.

That result has to be the springboard

The manner of City's dramatic comeback must now give them renewed confidence and create some momentum. Since Selles' arrival, it's been win one and then lose one, even if the obvious progress has been there for all to see, and while this was one point and not three, it felt like victory given how the game played out and against the backdrop of all the players unavailable and taking into account the quality of the opposition and the value of their squad.

It could be a big turning point in their season and instil fresh belief in their abilities to battle and get out of trouble. Only time will tell on that, however, if a result and finish like that doesn't spark you into life then nothing will.

The state of the bench

A look at the bench against Leeds was a real throwback to the Tigers early days following promotion back to the Championship when there was an obvious lack of depth, and quality.

Given all the injuries Selles is having to contend with, it was not a surprise to see those missing, but with no Chris Bedia or Abdus Omur to provide attacking options, it was left to the academy to fill the void, but those who came on did themselves proud and played their part in a terrific recovery.

That should change over the next few days if City can get deals over the line, but until the players are in the building and signed up, Selles won't be taking anything for granted.

Some breathing space

Owing to the change in the fixture schedule, City now have a couple of weeks until they play again in the Championship in the early kick-off at Millwall on January 18.

That will not only allow them breathing space in the transfer market, but on the training pitch. Yes, they have an FA Cup tie on Sunday lunchtime and given the club's recent record, victory would be a big boost, both in terms of building confidence and momentum but also financially.

It will also give the manager valuable time on the training pitch, something he's not really been blessed with since arriving early last month, and that will be crucial.

A big week ahead

City need new arrivals and they need some quickly. The lack of quality, and experience, on the bench showed where City are at. They've gone from having a bloated squad to one that suddenly looks threadbare, so getting deals over the line in the next few days is crucial.

A couple of deals are close and moving in the right direction, and Selles will be hoping that the club can get those concluded in advance of the FA Cup tie next weekend to give them some minutes before the trip to London the following weekend.

City can not afford to be passive or slow; they must get those deals wrapped up as soon as possible and not only boost Selles' squad but breathe fresh life into the supporters who have become increasingly concerned about the way the season has played out.