Hull back to winning ways
Hull FC secured an 18-14 victory over Salford City Reds at the Willows to snap a run of six defeats in all competitions.
Last Updated: 25/04/09 8:22pm
Hull FC secured an 18-14 victory over Salford City Reds at the Willows to snap a run of six defeats in all competitions.
The visitors welcomed back Richard Horne and Peter Cusack after injury but Shaun Berrigan was ruled out due to a knee problem.
Craig Hall was dropped to accomodate Horne at full-back with Salford opting to again leave out Karl Fitzpatrick despite a heavy defeat at Catalans and Ian Sibbit suspended.
But Horne could not have made a worse start as his long pass was intercepted by Darrell Goulding, who sprinted 60 metres on his home debut after being loaned to Salford from Wigan.
Referee Jamie Leahy was forced to adjudicate on John Wilshere's successful conversion attempt after a split decision by the touch judges.
Salford extended their lead to 10-0 on six minutes when props Ray Cashmere and Craig Stapleton combining for Richie Myler to race over for his ninth try of the season.
Wilshere's handling mistake proved costly, surrendering the possession that eventually allowed Mark Calderwood to surge over in the corner from Chris Thorman's long pass to open Hull's account after 10 minutes.
The early points spree was followed by stalemate in a mistake-littered first half until Hull drew level after 27 minutes, Horne racing onto Lee Radford's pass and brushing off Rob Parker for a try converted by Danny Tickle.
Revival
Hull continued their revival, Thorman's pass handed Richard Whiting an easy score in the 32nd minute with Tickle tagging on the goal to make it 16-10 at the break.
Reds full-back Wilshere had a nightmare evening and another error by the Papua New Guinea World Cup star opened the door for Kirk Yeaman to cross the whitewash, but the try was ruled out for obstruction.
Goulding's second try came courtesy of Myler's kick but Wilshere's conversion attempt from the touchline hit the post.
Wilshere then missed a penalty attempt which would have levelled the scores, with the touch judges again undecided whether it had gone over.
Salford would have gone ahead had Myler been able to take Adam Sidlow's pass but Tickle's penalty two minutes from time completed the scoring.