We're better than we showed - Gentle

Hull coach Peter Gentle admitted his side were "out on their feet" as they conceded three late tries to go down 22-4 at Stobart Super League leaders Huddersfield.

The Black and Whites were in sight of a seventh successive win, which would have taken them to the top of the table, when they led 4-2 after an hour with the aid of two Danny Tickle penalties. But the Giants finally got on top in the final quarter, running in tries through Eorl Crabtree, Luke Robinson and Joe Wardle, with Danny Brough kicking five goals.

"We were out on our feet in the end," Gentle said. "The conditions didn't really suit either of us. It was a scrappy game. We're much better than we showed today."

He added: "We wouldn't normally concede those soft tries. They played field position pretty well against us and wore us down.

"Backing up on Monday is tough on the boys. I know every side has to do it but I just can't see the value in it. It was a slow and messy game."

Hull went into the match without seven players, which forced assistant coach Lee Radford into continuing his comeback with a second appearance in four days, and they lost former Huddersfield forward Martin Aspinwall with a groin injury after 18 minutes.

"It's another one to add to the list but we'll regroup and we'll be better next week," said Gentle, whose side meet Huddersfield again in the Challenge Cup at the KC Stadium on Sunday. "I think both sides will be a lot better next week. The ball was like a cake of soap out there today."

Huddersfield only had a penalty from Brough to show for their efforts in the first hour but coach Nathan Brown was delighted with his side's defence.

"We played the side coming second and to not let them score a try was terrific," he said. "They've got some really good attacking players and to be able to shut them down was pleasing.

"We expected and got a tough game. It was an ugly win. There were a lot of tired players."