Goalkeeper Matt Duke was pleased to be a part of what he described as a confidence building display against Crewe Alexandra on Wednesday evening.

Duke was handed a senior start for the first time since December 2005 at Gresty Road and formed part of a solid rearguard which also included debutant Wayne Brown.

Having kept a clean sheet, Duke was more than happy with the way the evening went.

"It was a good all-round team performance," Duke told www.hullcityafc.net

"Obviously the lads who didn't feature on Saturday were given a game last night and I thought we did a good job.

"Keeping a clean sheet was also good and it's always nice not to concede goals because it breeds confidence throughout the team."

Duke produced a solid performance, reeling off a string of impressive saves during the first half, most notably in a one-on-one situation with Crewe striker Shaun Miller.

The stopper was pleased with his performance and that of the back-line in front of him.

"Their lad came through one-on-one and I just made sure I stood up to him. Thankfully, as he hit it I stuck out my left hand to keep the ball out of the net.

"The back four were a great help to me as well. You can say they're lads who haven't played much, but those four can play in our first team.

"It's not as though they are reserves. We fielded a very strong side last night."

Duke hopes the victory can kick-start the Tigers' season after a disappointing start in the league.

He also hopes his own personal performance will put him in the reckoning for a more regular place in the side.

"I hope this result kick-starts things a bit and brings some confidence back in. Hopefully we can kick on and get some points on the board in the league.

"I also hope I have put a question in the manager's mind as well. All I can do when I get a chance is to do my best.

"I feel as though I did that last night, so we'll have to wait and see what happens."