Hull FC 14-10 Huddersfield: Airlie Birds claim crucial win

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Highlights of the Betfred Super League fixture between Hull FC and Huddersfield Giants

Hull FC ended their regular season with a less than convincing 14-10 win over the Huddersfield Giants at the KCOM Stadium.

The two points moved Lee Radford's men up to third in the Betfred Super League table following Salford's heavy defeat at Leigh.

Mark Minichiello opened the scoring in the 14th minute using every inch of his frame to stretch the ball over the Giants line following a sustained period of pressure.

Marc Sneyd, who scored 28 points in the reverse fixture at Huddersfield, added the extras for a 6-0 lead.

Gareth Ellis set up a try on his return from injury

Gareth Ellis marked his return from injury to set up Hull's second score, sidestepping through the Giants defence to send Josh Bowden over for a try with his first touch of the game. Sneyd converted to extend the home side's advantage to 12-0.

Ellis played a big part in Hull opening up a 12-0 lead and he played a big part in Huddersfield getting themselves back in the game on the half-hour mark.

Ellis took a breather to be replaced by Danny Washbrook and Huddersfield took advantage by scoring through Darnell McIntosh. Danny Brough landed the touchline conversion to make it 12-6.

Jermaine McGillvary's try left the Giants trailing by two points at the interval

Jermaine McGillvary's try shortly afterwards got the small band of travelling supporters cheering further, but Brough was unable to restore parity by missing the conversion and Hull deserved their interval advantage.

Neither team posted any points in the first 35 minutes of the second half as they both tried to force the issue. A string of knock-ons and forward passes littered the game, ruining it as a spectacle and referee Chris Kendall came in for some criticism from the home fans for the way he was handling the game.

While there were only two points between the two sides Huddersfield, who started the day four points behind their opponents, knew only one score could win the game.

With Brough pulling the strings, the visitors were unable to unlock a well organised Hull defence, and chances became few and far between as the clock edged closer towards 80 minutes.

With just five minutes remaining, the first points of the half arrived when Sneyd landed his third goal of the evening to extend Hull's lead to 14-10.

Huddersfield gave themselves a chance by regaining possession from the restart, but they could do nothing in the set. Hull managed to run the clock down to pick up the victory.