Salford 24-8 Hull FC: Second victory for the Red Devils
By PA Sport
Last Updated: 17/03/18 12:01am
Salford secured their second victory of the Betfred Super League season with a 24-8 result against Hull FC at the AJ Bell Stadium.
The home side's play-making stand-off Robert Loui scored the game's key try with seven minutes remaining as he contributed 12 of their 24 points on the night.
In the week Salford sold Gareth O'Brien to Toronto Wolfpack and some may have feared that they would be short on creativity against a well-fancied Hull side.
However the Red Devils led 10-8 at half-time before finishing strongly, with Jack Littlejohn and Ben Nakubuwai registering their first tries for the club.
The home side took the lead in the sixth minute when Lui kicked a penalty after Hull were guilty of holding down close to their own try line.
Hull were not behind for long as Jake Connor's grubber kick was well taken by Dean Hadley and he touched down for a try which Marc Sneyd converted in the 16th minute.
The visitors edged further in front 11 minutes before half-time when Sneyd kicked a penalty as a result of Weller Hauraki's shoulder charge.
Despite having been without the ball for long spells, Salford made the most of a rare trip to the Hull 20-metre zone with a try from Nakubuwai, who powered in by the posts. Lui's conversion levelled the scores at 8-8, four minutes before half-time.
Moments before the break, Ian Watson's side made sure they held the lead at the interval courtesy of another penalty goal from Lui after Danny Washbrook was guilty of holding down.
After a keenly-fought start to the second half where scoring chances were at a premium, Salford extended their lead 17 minutes from time when Littlejohn finished off a 50m attack which started with a break from winger Greg Johnson.
Lui could not convert but Salford held a 14-8 lead going into the final stages.
The Red Devils sealed victory with a third try seven minutes from time. Once again the points arose from Lui who took on the Hull defensive line and powered his way over. His conversion made it 20-8.
The home side weren't quite finished though as Greg Johnson's try out wide completed a fine win.
