Hull City were left to rue an error from goalkeeper Allan McGregor as they slipped to a 1-0 Europa League defeat to Lokeren. A scuffed clearance from the 32-year-old goalkeeper just before the hour went straight to Hans Vanaken, who produced a cool finish to hand his side victory in the first leg of the play-off tie.
Despite a bright start, Steve Bruce's side failed to breach the Belgian Cup winners, with Yannick Sagbo wasting their best chance early on. The visitors will head into the return leg at the KC stadium needing at least a two-goal margin to keep their dream of qualifying for the group stages alive. Hull, who made nine changes from their weekend win over QPR, enjoyed a lively start to proceedings in Belgium and should have taken the lead after seven minutes.
