Hastings is one in eye for doubters
Hull FC 22 Salford 44
JACKSON HASTINGS threw the top-five race wide open as Salford held their nerve in this high-stakes game.
A dreadful record of one win in their 23 previous visits to Hull didn’t bode well for the Red Devils.
Hull were also desperate for a win that would have put them second and virtually seal a place in the play-offs, with three games left.
But low-spenders Salford are determined to prove that they aren’t mere underdogs who can ruffle a few feathers on their day.
And with Hastings in this sizzling form, they are starting to look more like the real deal than hopeful pretenders.
This win – their fifth on the trot – puts them just two points behind Hull, Wigan and Warrington.
Delighted coach Ian Watson said: “It is massive for us. It was a great performance by the boys.
“Everyone wrote us off at the start of the season and said London would be bottom and we’d be second-bottom.
“But the boys have been outstanding and really given themselves a chance to challenge at the back end of the season.”
Defeat leaves Hull looking over their shoulders at both Salford and Castleford, who play today, as well as Catalans.
Coach Lee Radford said: “I cannot tell you how disappointed I am that we turned up with that attitude in a game of that magnitude.
“We are now in knockout football and nobody can have an off day now.”
Captain Danny Houghton added: “It’s a massive missed chance. We need to come out swinging because we have to treat every game like a semi-final now.”
Salford made a flying start with a try from winger Ken Sio but were then caught by three Hull body blows.
Scott Taylor, Mickey Paea and Bureta Faraimo touched down in a 13-minute spell.
But tries from Lee Mossop and Sio put Salford level at half-time and after the break Jake Bibby and Mossop scored.
A Jordan Lane touchdown raised hope of a Hull fightback but scrum half Hastings created a try for Inu, then scored a brilliant solo touchdown, before Inu sealed the win.