Hull FC coach Lee Radford admitted it was all about the result rather than the performance against Huddersfield.

The Black and Whites climbed to third in the Super League table with a 14-10 victory over the Giants which will not live long in the memory.

But, after 23 gruelling rounds, Radford was pleased to go into next weekend’s Challenge Cup semi-final against Leeds on the back of a win.

“It wasn’t pretty but it was really intense,” Radford said. “We’ve achieved our goal of making the top four after 23 rounds.

“How we started the game was what we want to take into next week.

“We had to play for 80 minutes and ultimately we strangled them in terms of possession.

“Our front-line defence was much better and that’s what we asked for.”

Tries from Mark Minichiello and Josh Bowden, plus three kicks from Marc Sneyd, ensured Hull moved three points behind second-placed Leeds.

Radford welcomed back the fit-again Gareth Ellis and the Hull skipper picked up the man-of-the-match award for his 50-minute performance over two spells against the Giants.

“I’m really glad to have Gareth back especially ahead of next week’s game,” Radford said. “He put Josh’s try on a plate for him.

“When you see and hear some of his hits from the stands, it’s great to watch.”