Wigan Warriors break Hull FC hearts with 88th minute drop goal

With Wigan Warriors battling with Leigh Leopards and St Helens for a spot in the top two and Hull FC racing against Leeds Rhinos, Hull KR, Huddersfield Giants, Warrington Wolves and Salford Red Devils for a spot in the top six, tonight’s meeting between the two was always going to be vitally important.

Wigan went into the game looking for back to back wins over Hull clubs having easily defeating Hull KR last time as the Robins prepared for the Challenge Cup Final.

Hull FC also enjoyed a comprehensive win last time out. They ploughed through Wakefield Trinity to give their play-off hopes a major boost but a win away at Wigan would have been a huge step towards Old Trafford.

It was a cagey first half between the two and for a long time Liam Sutcliffe’s penalty had Hull FC holding a 2-0 lead.

But finally on the halfway mark, a high kick to the corner wasn’t dealt with by Davy Litten with the ball coming up for Liam Marshall going down the touchline to score to make it 4-2.

But before the break, Hull FC took the lead again through Adam Swift, a few days after his exit from the club was confirmed. He scored after a lovely kick from Jake Clifford.

Wigan had a chance to score at the start of the second half as Jai Field and Bevan French linked up but they were pulled back for a forward pass.

Then Hull struck with another player leaving the club. This time brad Dwyer was the one to capitalise on a high kick from Clifford.

Wigan needed to score next and they did as toby King slipped through a gap after he was picked out by a cut out pass.

With just minutes left, Carlos Tuimavave was sin binned for a dangerous tackle on Jake Wardle and moments later Wardle was crossing to level matters thanks to a Jai Field pass.

The conversion was missed sending the game to golden point. For the first few minutes, Wigan had all the chances but Hull FC clung on.

The game entered the second period of golden point after a Jake Clifford effort was blocked.

But the match was won in the 88th minute with a Harry Smith drop goal.