Robins go top after taming Tigers

McCombe: Grabbed the winner against Hull

The defender scored for the second time in three matches after his first goal of the season - a header deep into injury time against Crystal Palace - a fortnight ago.

Dele Adebola had given the Robins the lead after 14 minutes before Liam Fontaine's own goal on the stroke of half-time brought the visitors level.

Hull centre-backs Neil Clement - making his debut after completing his loan move from West Brom this week - and Wayne Brown misjudged the bounce of the ball and allowed Adebola to run in between them.

The big Nigerian produced a classy finish, steering the ball beyond Boaz Myhill and into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

It was the first real shot on goal by either team after weak efforts by Hull's Caleb Folan and Dean Marney.

The visitors responded well to going behind and Richard Garcia's volley from the edge of the area had Robins goalkeeper Adriano Basso worried as it whistled narrowly wide midway through the half.

The Brazilian had to react quickly to keep out Henrik Pedersen's header soon after.

Adebola had a chance to double City's lead in the 33rd minute but his shot was well saved by Myhill.

Hull's endeavour paid dividends at the end of the half when Ian Ashbee's shot was turned past Basso by Fontaine.

The Robins' disappointment at conceding just before the break was eased immediately after the restart as McCombe produced a finish more befitting of a striker than a centre-half.

Lee Johnson's cross was only half-cleared by Hull. Marvin Elliott headed the ball back into the penalty area where McCombe deftly volleyed over Myhill and into the top corner.

Hull boss Phil Brown introduced Jay-Jay Okocha and Ryan France in a bid to turn the game in his side's favour, with Garcia and Marney making way.

But it was the hosts who nearly scored again just before the hour mark with only a superb double save from Myhill keeping the Tigers in the match.

Myhill parried Ivan Sproule's shot before quickly getting to his feet to tip Adebola's effort from the rebound around the post.

Fraizer Campbell almost equalised for Hull two minutes from the end but the on-loan Manchester United striker's shot hit the post before Pedersen fired the rebound into the side-netting.