HULL City boss Ruben Selles admitted Middlesbrough's "powerful" substitutions proved decisive on New Year's Day - but was still disappointed with the manner of Alex Gilbert's last gasp winner.

Selles said the Tigers were made to "suffer" by Boro but praised his side's defending and thought they'd done enough to get over the line and secure what would have been a crucial point in their battle to beat the drop.

But Boro's substitutes combined deep in stoppage time, with Delano Burgzorg teeing up Alex Gilbert to force a belated breakthrough. Fellow substitute Ben Doak had also made a big impact off the bench.

Selles said: "They had two or three powerful substitutions.

"When they made substitutions they speeded up the game and we managed to stay strong. That final minute is the most difficult thing to take."

What was also frustrating for Selles was the fact he felt the winning goal was avoidable. Burgzorg was allowed to charge down the left flank unopposed before crossing for Gilbert.

Selles said: "We should have dealt with the the situation better. We should have known we hadn't been able to apply those triggers and win the ball high in the pitch.

"We needed to cut the run and the pass earlier. We need to be better in those situations. If we can't win it, at least don't lose it."

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Selles added: "We didn't find ourselves in the game and our opponent was better in parts of the game. We managed to make a tremendous defensive effort

"We were not able to break their pressure in the way we wanted and against the ball we didn't find our triggers. We ended up suffering, but then in that suffer the team responded well and defended well.

"The point would have been good for us. We showed character, togetherness and defended the situations. Our goalkeeper was there when we needed him. It's difficult to take."