Super League surprise packets Widnes were left frustrated after having three tries disallowed by the video referee in their defeat to Hull.

Hull's veteran scrum-half Tony Smith compounded Widnes' misery marking his first start of the season with a brace of tries.

The Vikings had the tries disallowed by video referee Steve Cross as they failed to build on a 10-0 lead in an enthralling match at the Halton Stadium.

Stand-off Craig Weston and hooker Phil Cantillon (twice) had touchdowns wiped out after slow-motion replays revealed knock-ons.

Hull took full advantage and scored 16 points in a 10 minutes to swing the game their way.

The win lifts Shaun McRae's men to second in the table, just two points behind Bradford Bulls.

Despite another narrow home defeat, Widnes can be pleased with their performance as they provided further ample evidence of their Super League credentials.

Former Leeds forward Anthony Farrell and Phil Cantillon claimed tries in the first 15 minutes.

It should have been even better for Wigan, with Weston having an injury-time try disallowed.

The heartbreak continued when the video referee twice ruled against Cantillon within 12 minutes of the re-start.

Hull were left breathing a sigh of relief and three quick tries by Graham Mackay, Smith and Gareth Raynor turned the game on its head.

Mackay added a second try to bring his season's tally to 14 just before the end as Widnes saw the game slip away from them.

Teams

Widnes: Spruce, Munro, Potter, Hughes, Percival, Weston, Eaton, Relf, Cantillon, O'Neill, Farrell, McCurrie, Frame. Replacements: Mills, Richardson, Atcheson, Stone.

Hull: Horne, Raynor, Kohe'Love`, Mackay, Crowther, Cooke, T. Smith, Greenhill, Last, Carvell, Ryan, Logan, J. Smith. Replacements: Bird, King, Maher, Chester.

Referee: Ian Smith (Oldham)