Hull's Long returns to haunt struggling West Brom

HULL, United Kingdom, March 22, 2014 - Shane Long came back to haunt his old club West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, the Republic of Ireland international playing a central role in Hull City's 2-0 win at his new home at the KC Stadium.

Long, sold by the struggling Baggies to Hull in the January transfer window, won the first-half penalty that led to the opening goal then scored the second to wrap up the game played in pelting rain before the break.

The Tigers' win pushed Steve Bruce's FA Cup semi-finalists up a place to 12th on 33 points with West Brom staying in 16th, only three points above the relegation zone.

This was Hull's first home win in seven outings at the KC Stadium, the last coming back in December with the 6-0 rout of Fulham.

And it was only their third win out of 11 this year.

Hull were missing George Boyd, the forward having lost his appeal against a three match ban for spitting at Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart in last weekend's 2-0 defeat.

Aside from Boyd, who had come on as a substitute, the only change made by manager Steve Bruce was the return of striker Sone Aluko.

West Brom also made one change, striker Thievy Bifouma replacing suspended defender Jonas Olsson.

Hull took the lead on the half hour, despite West Brom keeper Ben Foster producing a fine save to deny Nikica Jelavic's right-footed penalty into the bottom corner, with the rebound nodded in by Liam Rosenior.

The spot kick was awarded against Craig Dawson's attempt to beat Long to a loose ball in what was arguably a tough decision against the visitors.

Long doubled Hull's lead eight minutes after winning the penalty.

The 27-year-old striker latched on to another former Baggies player Curtis Davies' headed pass off a corner to beat Foster with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box, the ball thudding into the bottom right corner.

In deference to his former supporters in the away stands, Long kept his goal celebrations to an absolute minimum.

He went close to inflicting further pain on the Baggies when his shot from outside the box in the 66th minute hit the post.

Shortly after he limped off injured, his work done for the afternoon.