High-flying Hull had to overcome a torrential rainstorm and a vastly-improved performance by bottom club Salford.

It took a second-half turnaround in form and three tries in the space of 13 minutes to see off the gallant Reds.

Salford, who had parted company with coach Steve McCormack in midweek, showed that much of the trouble that the club are in was down to them, not their former boss.

Once the door had been unlocked Garreth Carvell pushed Hull further in front before Adam Maher scored his second try of the match to complete a comfortable win.

Salford had kept themselves in the game with two Graham Holroyd goals and an Alan Hunt try against his former club.

Hull director of rugby Shaun McRae admitted the downpour had affected the game, especially for his side in the first half.

"Conditions did not help but you have to give credit to Salford for the way they played," he said.

"As so often happens when clubs change coaches they improve as Salford did.

Salford director of football Steve Simms, who has taken over as caretaker coach, said: "I was pleased with the overall performance and the effort from the side.

"We were in the game for an hour and I thought we might sneak it but then we were penalised for offside and Hull made us pay by scoring off the next set of six.

"I think the key thing we learned today is discipline and if we improve that and show the same commitment then I feel we can get out of trouble."