Hull boss Phil Brown watched his in-form side surge up to second in the Coca-Cola Championship with victory at Yorkshire rivals Barnsley and then challenged them to go on and claim the title.
Goals from Dean Marney, Ian Ashbee and Dean Windass sealed a comfortable win and capped a dominant display throughout at Oakwell. Istvan Ferenczi pulled a goal back for the hosts in stoppage time as Brown was left to bask in "a fantastic result".
"I'm really pleased for the lads and they responded to the challenge of getting into the top two admirably," said Brown, whose side are now within two points of new leaders West Brom. "It was a pleasure to watch in the second half, even as a manager who is supposedly under pressure.
"The opportunity is there now to stay in the top two with three games to go.
"If an opportunity comes along for the title then that's the next challenge but, as we've said all season, we just need to stay in the top six, and that includes the top two."
Marney held his nerve to open the scoring from the penalty spot with 24 minutes gone after Dennis Souza crudely upended Fraizer Campbell.
It was from Marney's delightful corner seven minutes into the second half that Ashbee powered home a close-range header.
Windass then wrapped up three precious points in the scramble for promotion with his first touch after coming on as a late substitute.
"The second-half performance as a manager I was ecstatic about," beamed Brown. "I thought we moved the ball very well."
Campbell, under the watchful eye of England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce, produced yet another eye-catching display to earn the praise of Brown.
The Tigers boss remained coy on the prospect of signing the 20-year-old on-loan Manchester United striker on a permanent basis, but hailed the youngster's work rate and attitude.
Brown added: "What are my chances of keeping him? I don't know.
"I'll have that conversation at the end of the season. We've not even broached the subject to tell you the truth.
"But he's enjoying his football and worked tirelessly tonight."
Barnsley boss Simon Davey conceded four games in the space of the last nine days - including last Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Cardiff - had taken its toll on his side, who remain mathematically in a relegation battle.
"To lose at home is always difficult but I think the lads over the last week have done themselves proud," said Davey.
"We're pleased with the way they have responded since the defeat at Wembley. "I felt there was a lot of tired legs out there tonight. There was not only tired legs but tired minds.
"Some of the passes went astray but I'm not going to criticise because of what they achieved over the last few games.
"It was hard to watch at times from the sidelines. The second-half performance was poor and it wasn't acceptable and the players now that.
"We'll give them a rest and be ready for a big game against Leicester on Saturday."
"I'm really pleased for the lads and they responded to the challenge of getting into the top two admirably," said Brown, whose side are now within two points of new leaders West Brom. "It was a pleasure to watch in the second half, even as a manager who is supposedly under pressure.
"The opportunity is there now to stay in the top two with three games to go.
"If an opportunity comes along for the title then that's the next challenge but, as we've said all season, we just need to stay in the top six, and that includes the top two."
Marney held his nerve to open the scoring from the penalty spot with 24 minutes gone after Dennis Souza crudely upended Fraizer Campbell.
It was from Marney's delightful corner seven minutes into the second half that Ashbee powered home a close-range header.
Windass then wrapped up three precious points in the scramble for promotion with his first touch after coming on as a late substitute.
"The second-half performance as a manager I was ecstatic about," beamed Brown. "I thought we moved the ball very well."
Campbell, under the watchful eye of England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce, produced yet another eye-catching display to earn the praise of Brown.
The Tigers boss remained coy on the prospect of signing the 20-year-old on-loan Manchester United striker on a permanent basis, but hailed the youngster's work rate and attitude.
Brown added: "What are my chances of keeping him? I don't know.
"I'll have that conversation at the end of the season. We've not even broached the subject to tell you the truth.
"But he's enjoying his football and worked tirelessly tonight."
Barnsley boss Simon Davey conceded four games in the space of the last nine days - including last Sunday's FA Cup semi-final defeat at the hands of Cardiff - had taken its toll on his side, who remain mathematically in a relegation battle.
"To lose at home is always difficult but I think the lads over the last week have done themselves proud," said Davey.
"We're pleased with the way they have responded since the defeat at Wembley. "I felt there was a lot of tired legs out there tonight. There was not only tired legs but tired minds.
"Some of the passes went astray but I'm not going to criticise because of what they achieved over the last few games.
"It was hard to watch at times from the sidelines. The second-half performance was poor and it wasn't acceptable and the players now that.
"We'll give them a rest and be ready for a big game against Leicester on Saturday."
Copyright (c) Press Association
Related Articles
Garcia blasts Tigers rebranding
Bruce sets sights on 20-point mark
