Further injuries sustained on Good Friday meant that Saints boss Keiron Cunningham selected two teenagers in the three-quarters for today's clash against Hull FC.

But he believed it was a couple of the more senior players that had let the side down during the team's third consecutive loss.

Cunningham said: "I still feel the squad of players we have is more than adequate to win the games that they have been involved in.

"They gave a really good showing at Wigan on Friday, but I am deeply disappointed with a few individuals in the side today.

"I thought a lot of people really busted their bodies and tried their best out there.

"But there were a few individuals out there who can count themselves very lucky that we have a few injuries.

"I will look at the video later on.

"We looked a tired side, as did Hull. But I still believe despite the halves and back rowers we had missing we still had enough to win that game - even with two kids on debut.

"We have got to keep fighting. We will get bodies back in the next few weeks and will hopefully improve from that."

Opposite number Lee Radford expressed his delight after watching his Hull side see off the champions at Langtree Park.

The Airlie Birds bounced back from Thursday's derby defeat to Hull KR to snatch a late 28-20 win.

Radford said: "I am really pleased for the group, the team and the owner.

"It has been a really difficult camp from Thursday's result and the manner of the defeat.

"On the back of that disappointment, to pull ourselves off the canvas like we did, was impressive.

"If we had been smarter today, though, it could have been easier but fatigue plays a massive part in this Easter Monday fixture.

"It is a little bit of a war of attrition and it tends to be the team that wants it most that takes the spoils and that was the case today in our favour."