Tries from Callum Baldwin and Craig Anthony had given Stockport a 12-14 lead, but two contentious second half tries from the hosts were enough to seal a vital 27-21 win as Hull fight for their National Two lives.

Hull’s first try in the second period from Greg Lound was overshadowed by controversy as in the build up to him scoring, the ball was clearly knocked on five meters but it was missed by the officials.

The officials then played their part in Hull’s final try which was a penalty try. They penalised forward Mike Waddington in the build-up for being offside when it looked like he had been played onside by the Hull winger, but relentless pressure from Hull saw them secure a massive win.

Broadhurst said: “Every referee is different and will interpret the game slightly differently.

“It took us quite a while to work out the areas he was consistently targeting which is difficult when you're trying to get into a game.

“In terms of a reaction to last week against Caldy, it was a much improved performance.

“It showed that when we execute our game plan we have attacking threats from 1-15. For spells we also defended really well which has been a huge work on for us in training.”

Despite Port already knowing that they have being relegated back down to National Three with five more games remaining of the season, they put in another very good 80 minutes of rugby which secured their third bonus point in as many weeks.

Broadhurst, who has also played a pivotal part in Stockport’s 2nd XV reaching the top of their league this season, added: “We created numerous attacking opportunities through line breaks. We know that we have a sharp back line who on their day can trouble anyone.

“We just lacked the composure to put the chances that we created away. In National Two North, sides are that good you need to be clinical and finish those chances when they arise.

“With us being relegated with five games to go, it almost takes the shackles off the lads for last run in. We all back the brand of rugby we aspire to play and we enjoy playing it.”

Stockport play their final game in hand this weekend as they welcome Harrogate to Headlands Road looking to make amends from their visit to Yorkshire earlier in the season.

Port had to start three forwards in the backs due to their injury crisis this campaign and lost 59-14 so feel like their performance back in November is not a true reflection on what they can produce.

After Harrogate’s fine first half of the season, they have currently lost their last five games and really need a victory over Stockport on Saturday to keep their top three finish hopes alive.

“Harrogate will definitely be targeting this game to get their last block of four back on track, said Broadhurst.

“We've shown in the last 30 vs Caldy and for the majority against Hull, we can create chances. The pressure is off so we just look forward to going out and playing our style of rugby.”

Kick-off on Saturday at Headlands Road is still yet to be confirmed, but will be announced before Friday of this week.

Click here to get the full reaction to Saturday’s 27-21 defeat to Hull including a full post-match interview with 1st XV Coach Matthew Bebbington.