HULL, England (AP):

Michael Dawson's first-half header gave Hull a 1-0 victory over Liverpool yesterday that pushed the northeast England club closer to Premier League survival.

The Hull captain timed his move to perfection to power home a cross from Ahmed Elmohamady in the 37th minute.

"In that moment we didn't defend well enough," Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, said on the club website. "Where it counts in that final third we just couldn't make the breakthrough.

"The players put great energy into the game, they worked very hard but our struggles tonight were what they have been for a big part of the season in terms of creativity and scoring goals."

The loss is a further blow to Liverpool's hoping of qualifying for the Champions League for a second successive season. Liverpool are seven points behind Manchester United, who are fourth in the final qualification spot for Europe's elite competition.

The win moved Hull four points clear of the relegation zone with four games to play.