That's the way to 'dore it - Jozy makes Hull debut, and John-Paul Pittman opens account for The Chair Boys
By James Curtis
Jozy Altidore finally made his Hull debut on Saturday in rip-roaring style, playing a major role in The Tigers 1-0 triumph over Bolton at the KC Stadium.
It was the New Jersey boy's first touch that set-up fellow new signing Kamel Ghilas for what resulted in the winning goal, and with it, a performance that will make the young American a certain favourite with the Hull faithful.
Renowned for his robustness and furious power, Altidore was intent on displaying these attributes which should serve him well during the loan spell at Hull this season. Sent on as a substitute after 60 minutes, Altidore took up a holding position on the edge of the Bolton area with his back to goal, before hooking the ball over Zat Knight and into the path of Ghilas. Safe to say, the Algerians finish was unforgiving.
But it is the attitude of Altidore that will please everybody at Hull with immediate effect. His first touch in the EPL came just 14 hours after his first steps on English soil, flown into Hull by helicopter from London, following a flight across the Atlantic. Then again, whenever has commitment been lacking throughout America's history of sporting heroes?
“Airport terminals, swine flu scares, babies crying on the plane, it’s all been a little bit crazy,” Altidore said. “I was losing faith. I thought it was all going to be for nothing, but this is what I’ve been waiting for – a chance to prove my worth.”Altidore might have scored himself were it not for the resolute goalkeeping of Jussi Jaaskelainen. Twisting, turning and shelling, weaving like a boxer to find the right angle, Altidore was playing as if it was his whole family's immigration stamps that lay on the line. When the ball just wouldn't squeeze home, Altidore slumped to his knees, head buried in hands.
It might only have been a cameo, but their are some players in the Premiership who will do well to follow Altidore's example, those earning big wages for unjustifiable performances. Come the end of the season, this is the margin between relegation and survival.
More determined forward work saw John-Paul Pittman score his first goal of the season for Wycombe Wonderers, despite falling down 5-2 away to Norwich.
The 22-year-old shrugged off Jens Berthel Askou before rounding the keeper and slotting in neatly to make the home fans nervous for a brief spell. It was his fourth goal in 22 appearances for The Chair Boys.
This will be an important season for Pittman who is finally looking settled since his switch from Crawley back in February, where he notched up 24 goals in 61 games.
Pittman began his career with Aston Villa's youth academy as an eight year old, having moved from Oaklahoma City, Oaklahoma.
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