Hull 31-24 Widnes: Connor makes difference for hosts

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Highlights from the Super League clash between Hull FC and Widnes.

Jake Connor played his latest starring role as Hull twice came from behind to send Widnes into an end-of-season relegation battle after a 31-24 win. 

Connor returned from his brilliant display on England duty against New Zealand in Denver to dig Lee Radford's side out of a hole midway through the second period and inspire the victory.

For a time, Widnes, who have now endured 12 consecutive league losses, threatened to extend their stay of execution from the Qualifiers. They recovered from 16-0 and 22-18 down to lead 18-16 and 24-22.

But Connor, celebrating the award of a new three-year contract extension, kicked an equalising penalty, landed a drop goal and kicked a late conversion to finish with 11 invaluable points.

It looked like an easy night for fifth-placed Hull when Widnes, who handed a debut to 19-year-old winger Owen Buckley, trailed after just six minutes.

Liam Harris, deputising at scrum-half for Marc Sneyd, angled a kick to Vikings' left edge. Patrick Ah Van made a complete hash of his catch and Albert Kelly swooped on the loose ball.

Connor added the first of his five goals to make it 6-0. Hull's sixth successive win over their hosts looked to be in the bag as they also scored the next two tries through winger Hakim Miloudi and the lively Harris.

Connor booted another conversion and the Black and Whites led 16-0 after 28 minutes.

But the home side were in for a rude awakening as the Vikings hit back with 12 points in the last three minutes of the half.

Both tries came from Joe Mellor assists with Charly Runciman and Buckley the recipients. Krisnan Inu converted both to set-up an intriguing second half.

Hull half-back Albert Kelly scored during their tense home win

The comeback was completed within five minutes of the restart. After Scott Taylor, another of England's Denver squad, knocked on over the try line, Widnes grabbed a third try as second row Sam Wilde stretched out to ground the ball.

Inu goaled again to make it 18-16 in the visitors' favour. Centre Carlos Tuimavave sped 80 metres from Connor's assist to restore Hull's advantage but Widnes would not go away.

Prop Jay Chapelhow barged over for Vikings' fourth try and Inu's latest conversion gave his team a 24-22 advantage.

But thanks to the calm Connor, Hull hit back once more to stay on course for a top-four finish.

The talk of Super League booted a 40-metre penalty to tie the scores at 24-24 after 64 minutes. Four minutes later he coolly slotted a drop goal to take the hosts back in front.

This time there was no recovery from the Vikings, who are still to win with Francis Cummings as interim coach.

With time running out Kelly sent in winger Bureta Faraimo for a try at the corner before Connor converted magnificently from the touchline.