The Tigers do not have a great record on October 31

Hull City will attempt to do something that historically they've struggled with, and that's win a game of football on the spookiest day of the year, and that's win on Halloween.

The Tigers, who are unbeaten at the MKM Stadium so far in the Premier League this season, play their final home outing for almost a month when they tackle another of last season's newly-promoted sides.

As City prepare to welcome Ipswich on Halloween weekend, Tigers fan Natalie Murphy explores the matchday horrors that make supporters scream...

A Nightmare on Walton Street

Not every Premier League club can boast the benefit of an enormous car park within easy walking distance of their stadium, making this Walton Street facility a treat for home and away fans alike. But there are a few tricks too. A perilously uneven ground creates crater-like puddles that risk a soaking when stepping out of the car. And despite the revenues earned from games, the market and the fair, the surface is so uncared for that punctures are a genuine fear. Trying to get out after full-time is its own horror story, with attendants mysteriously disappearing, leaving drivers to fight their way through the treacherous traffic alone.

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Light of the Living Dead

The MKM’s West Park setting is bewitching, with its paddling pool, bowling green, skate park, model railway and wildlife. The only distraction from these attractions is the row of rusty lights installed some years ago. These structures loom over the path from the main entrance menacingly, looking decayed from the day they were installed. Described as a ‘catalyst for urban renewal’, they create more of an apocalyptic vibe, bringing to mind a frightening era of global conflicts, psychotic leaders, climate disasters and survival prepping. Oh, wait…

The Shared Pitch Project

The home of the Tigers with all its park and parking benefits is, of course, also home to Hull FC. Depending on which side of the rugby league divide you sit on, sharing this space may be more or less of a nightmare. Even if you’re football-focused, the period when the two sports’ seasons overlap brings extra scrutiny of the state of the pitch. Does this joint tenancy put the turf under threat of turning into a muddy mess that looks more like a pumpkin patch? Whether there’s any substance to that fear or it’s just a scare story, in the Premier League, the prospect of missing a chance or conceding a goal thanks to grass that’s been carved up obstructively is enough to give even the bravest fan nightmares.

Jacob Greaves

The spectre of former Hull City players returning can be dreaded. Especially when the black and amber faithful may view the ghost of the Tigers’ past as a traitor. But whether they are booed or cheered, the true terror on the terrace is the chilling prospect of one of our own turning on us and popping up with an often-uncharacteristic goal. Centre-back Jacob Greaves, an academy graduate and the son of former City defender Mark, is just one example. When he reappears at this weekend’s match with his new side, Ipswich, let’s hope this Hull lad does not come back to haunt us.

The Sky Sports Kick-Off Time Massacre

Saturday’s 3pm home game is the first traditional kick-off time we’ve enjoyed at home this season. Football’s TV paymasters have so far forced us into starts at 12.30pm, 5.30pm and two on Sundays at 2pm. And there is more to come, as it seems our strong start has cursed us with a schedule with more shifts than a tumbler across a Ouija board on fright night. It’s hellish for home games but since most fans are also spellbound by wall-to-wall coverage of rival teams all weekend and beyond, who are we to howl in protest?

The Sock-y Horror Picture Show

Apparently, it has something to do with avoiding cramps and ensuring peak performance, but the shredded socks seen on many players are an evil eyesore. With more rips than a witch’s tights, it can look like the team has turned up in half a Halloween costume. Spare a thought for parents whose little monsters decide to copy the look by taking scissors to their expensive replica kits. If the players themselves treat their sportswear this way, maybe it’s time to slash the prices in the club shop.

VA-argh!

The ball hits the back of the net and you celebrate a goal. Or was it? The villain that is VAR might pop up like a poltergeist on screen and declare that a check is taking place somewhere far away, not on the other side, but in Stockley Park where shadowy unseen figures decide whether your celebrations live on or are laid to rest.

Do we really need such interruptions to scrutinise margins finer than a spider’s web? Let’s go back to leaving the final say to officials on the field who are there in flesh and blood.

Hullraisers

For all its fiendish frustrations, the only people who should be genuinely afraid of visit to Hull City right now are our opposition players and supporters. Our unbeaten home record remains and it is up to us as home fans to play our part in continuing to torment all those who dare to enter our house. Happy Halloween, Tigers, and let’s raise the roof tomorrow and come away with a spooktacular three points.