St Helens went top of Super League after a second half comeback saw them topple Hull FC at the MKM Stadium.

Trailing by six points at the break, Saints upped the ante after the break with tries from Noah Stephens, Kyle Feldt and Harry Robertson seeing them home.

Hull came out firing on the back of the upheaval at the club following the shock news that head coach John Cartwright was being let go at the end of the season.

The response from his team was an emotional one but in the end Saints had the class and composure to come through for their sixth league win of the season.

Whether Cartwright will see out the season has to be open to question.

Before the game, he talked of his desire to remain in post and the crowd gave him a warm ovation near the end – in contrast to the boos from home fans unhappy at Cartwright’s treatment when Hull FC chief executive Richie Myler was shown on the big screen.

But Cartwright’s situation is an uncomfortable one, knowing he is not wanted long term and he was fighting back the tears afterwards.

His players showed their loyalty with an intense start that saw Logan Moy give Hull an 11th minute lead with a try in the left-hand corner from a lovely pass by Zak Hardaker.

Saints struck back through teenager Jake Davies who stepped over from Jackson Hastings’ pass for his first Super League try nine minutes later.

But a combination of the courageous Hull defence close to their own line and Saints’ indiscipline prevented the visitors pushing on in the first half and hooker Amir Bourouh forced his way over in the 28th minute to restore the home side’s lead.

The second half though was a different story. Seven minutes into the second half Saints tied things up through Noah Stephens.

Hastings had a try disallowed for obstruction in the build-up from Alex Walmsley as St Helens began to get into their stride.

But just after the hour mark Kyle Feldt put Saints ahead after a delicate chip from Tristan Sailor.

Then when Hardaker spilled possession, Harry Robertson cashed in to go over with some terrific footwork with six minutes left, to seal victory.

Saints’ Deon Cross will miss next week’s game against Wakefield Trinity after failing an Head Injury Assessment after an accidental clash with Hull loanee Harry Newman.

Hull will be without Sam Lisone long term with a torn bicep.