Coaches admire Hull crowd as FC end seven-match losing streak
Photo: James Heaton/News Images
Hull FC coach Tony Smith was glad his side rewarded their fans with a win against Huddersfield as they attracted another 10,000-strong crowd to the MKM Stadium.
The Black and Whites secured their first win in eight games after beating Huddersfield 20-14 in front of a 10,859 crowd at home.
Smith said: “It was a great result and mostly a great performance, I’m just really pleased for the players.
“We’re not liking some of our results or how we’ve lost some games this year, but we haven’t been down and out, we’ve kept working hard and keeping positive, so I’m pleased we’ve got some reward for those efforts and our positive attitude.
“I enjoyed some of their attack, but I loved their defence. There was some real attitude in defence, there was desperation and numbers in the picture without the ball.
“The first half was the best half we’ve played all year. I challenged them to match that in the second half and they weren’t far off it.
“I thought the crowd were terrific today. There were all sorts of reasons for fans not to turn up today. We haven’t been winning or performing well so for those who turned up, hats off to them. I’m glad we rewarded them today.”
Huddersfield boss praises Hull crowd
Speaking after the game, Huddersfield coach Ian Watson said the best team won, and even gave a special mention to the Hull crowd for pulling their side through.
Watson said: “I think Hull were the better team today. They showed up with the right intent and attitude at the start of both halves and they dominated proceedings through a defence first mentality.
“We looked really indecisive in what we were doing whereas Hull were very proactive and first to everything, their efforts got them the result.
“The game is really simple. If you turn up with a good attitude defensively and you work really hard for each other, you’ll likely get a result.
“Massive credit to the Hull crowd as well. They were really loud and were trying everything to drag their side to a win.
“The crowd will always be against you away from home but their crowd were great and really helped with their efforts defending their goal line.”