Hull City enjoyed a blitzing return to life in the Championship on Saturday afternoon, sweeping aside Preston North End 4-1 at Deepdale.

Emil Riis Jakobsen had initially put the hosts in the driving seat, however, after Keane Lewis-Potter's equaliser shortly before the break, the Tigers roared into rhythm and saw off their opponents with strikes from Smallwood, Josh Magennis and Andy Cannon.

Grant McCann's side welcome Wigan Athletic in the EFL Cup tomorrow evening, before further encounters at the KCOM Stadium against QPR and Derby County, where they will be striving to continue the momentum and instill a winning mentality.

And, having gained promotion from League One at the first time of asking last term, Hull are looking to reinstate themselves in the Championship and Smallwood insists that they now need to keep the momentum going.

"It's a brilliant start," Smallwood told Hull City's website.

"We showed with the performance that we have that winning mentality, togetherness, and character that we need.

"With the shape Preston normally play with three at the back, I thought our style of play with three forwards would cause a threat and I think we showed that.

"I suppose though coming away from home in the first Championship fixture and winning 4-1, we probably didn't think that would happen."

Along with scoring the crucial goal that fired his side into the ascendancy just after the hour mark, Smallwood also notched an assist for Hull's opener.

Not usually renowned for his contribution in the final third, the experienced midfielder - who made the move to Humberside from Blackburn Rovers last summer - was satisfied with his overall display against the Lilywhites.

"I can't argue with my performance; a goal and an assist," added the 30-year-old.

"The manager spoke to me after the game and said 'well done' to me and added that it was probably my best performance in a Hull shirt.

"I don't think I put any pressure on myself but it was a good marker not only for me, but for the whole team as well and we need to carry it on now."

The Verdict:

Hull's opening result came as a real statement of intent to teams all across the division, and their ruthless attacking nature means opponents will not fancy locking horns with them this term.

It was the perfect start for McCann's men and as Smallwood eluded to, it is integral that they now keep that confidence going and continue to operate with a spring in their step.

Smallwood could well transpire as a crucial component in the system, too, with his experience an invaluable asset to have within the squad among younger players such as Lewis-Potter, Di'Shon Bernard, Jacob Greaves and Mallik Wilks.