Hull bag narrow win

Danny Tickle: Second Rower's penalty proved the difference

Hull FC took another step towards securing a top-eight finish with a narrow 14-12 victory over London Broncos at the Priestfield Stadium.

A penalty from Danny Tickle in the 68th minute was to prove crucial to the victory, after a late try from the Broncos threatened to spark a comeback.

Tickle's successful kick gave Hull an eight-point lead and, despite scoring a converted try soon after, London were unable to make up the gap.

The home side started well and took a deserved lead through a try from Kieran Dixon, which was converted by Michael Witt. But Ben Crooks went over in the 23rd minute for Hull FC and Tickle converted to level the scores.

Short

It was far from a vintage performance from the visitors, who fell short of the performance level they showed in their victory over Leeds last time out.

However, the Broncos were unable to capitalise on the Black and Whites' numerous handling errors, and couldn't prevent them from taking the lead in the 51st minute.

Richard Whiting's converted try gave the visitors a six-point lead with little more than an half an hour to play.

Despite London having plenty of possession, they were struggling to create any opportunities, and as they ran out of ideas the visitors took advantage.

Decisive

And after Shane Rodney conceded a penalty, Tickle put the kick between the sticks for the decisive score.

Broncos did manage to close the gap through a Michael Robertson converted try with nine minutes left, but despite putting FC under pressure in the closing stages, they were unable to finish the comeback.

Rob Powell's men still have just two wins to their name all season and are at risk of being cut adrift with Widnes at the Stobart Super League basement.

Hull meanwhile look certs for the playoffs, with victory giving them further ambitions to make an assault on the top four.