FROM the depths of despair in April, three wins from Saints’ last four Super League encounters have given them hope that closing the gap on the top four is not an impossible task.

But having lost a number of games this term by narrow margins, and so far only won once on their travels, Saints cannot afford any more slip ups.

Tonight's match, which was put back from the Bank Holiday Monday, is a must-win game if Saints are to stay in contention with the top four.

A win against the Giants will take them to within four points of fourth placed Hull FC and – with a further five games before the league splits and seven more to follow - there is scope to climb.

Coach Justin Holbrook stressed that consistency is key going into this critical part of the campaign.

He said: “I’m really happy with how we have gone since I arrived. We need to keep playing well and try to get that consistency.

“That is what the good sides are doing and we have to match that.

“It will be a tough game on Friday – they are coming off the back of two really strong wins and have hit form.

“We put ourselves under pressure in the first 20 minutes against Widnes and it was a positive sign that we kept turning them away.

“They have been dangerous in attack with having Rangi Chase in there.

“It was tough to see us come up with so many unforced errors, especially with our ball security, and that is part of the game we have to eliminate to give ourselves a chance.

“How well they dug in for each other was really important.

“It was good that we kept turning them away but we cannot afford to continue to do that and put ourselves under pressure.”

Giants, who have rattled in 100 points in the past two games, will present another challenge.

Holbrook said: “We know the importance of the game and I’m sure Huddersfield are thinking the same too.

“The fact we can get a bit closer to the leading group is an important one for us.

“We’ll also be a full strength too.”