Hull City 1-1 Milton Keynes Dons

Hull City midfielder Sam Clucas scored his first goal in nine games

Sam Clucas' second-half free-kick gave promotion-chasing Hull a point as they drew with lowly MK Dons.

Antony Kay gave MK Dons the lead after the break when he headed Robert Hall's corner but Clucas restored parity directly from a curling set-piece.

In a first half of few chances, Hull came closest when Mohamed Diame headed Isaac Hayden's cross just wide.

Diame tried his luck again with a neat turn and shot in the box but he fired straight at Dons keeper David Martin.

The result means Hull move above Brighton into third place in the Championship, but have recorded just one win in their last seven matches in all competitions.

Steve Bruce's side could have leapfrogged Middlesbrough and moved into the top two with a win by virtue of goal difference.

MK Dons, who have never won against Hull, remain in 21st place and a point above the relegation zone.

Hull City manager Steve Bruce:

"We're frustrated but we didn't play anywhere near well enough in the first half. We've played better in the second half.

"First half we didn't move the ball quick enough and gave the ball away in bad areas.

"At the end of the day I pick the team but I scratch my head and ask why we've played like that in the first half. We've got to take away the nerves and a little bit of edginess which may be creeping in."

MK Dons manager Karl Robinson:

"I thought it was a handball that led to it [Sam Clucas' goal]. They are a team, the officials, and referees get slated up and down the country. As a group of four they should be judged and he wasn't assisted right today and that was disappointing.

"I thought there were two completely different halves. I thought the first half we dominated and moved the ball unbelievably well.

"For a team where we are to come to the KC Stadium and perform the way we did was excellent. Second half, playing one of the best teams in the league, we knew how hard it was always going to be. I thought my players' application was sensational."