If this clash with St Helens proves to be the end of John Cartwright's reign, Hull FC went out swinging for him.

There was a growing sense around the MKM Stadium that this would be his final game in charge after a tumultuous week for the club.

Cartwright – a coach who overachieved in his first season at the helm – has been left in the unusual situation of keeping the seat warm for his successor following Hull's decision to part ways at the end of the year.

His impassioned response to the news of his impending departure left his short-term future in doubt but he was in the hot seat for the visit of Saints and the reaction from his players and the crowd spoke volumes. Simply put, they don't want him to leave.

But Richie Myler, who was jeered when he appeared on the big screen, has identified Steve McNamara as the man he believes can take the Black and Whites to the next level.

The Hull chief executive would have felt the emotion of the occasion, a night that ended with Cartwright's squad following him down the tunnel in a show of solidarity.

Whether that strength of feeling is enough to keep the Australian in post until the end of the campaign remains to be seen but this was an evening when almost everyone pulled in the same direction.

In the end, it was not enough to beat St Helens – the new leaders of Super League – in a battle between two injury-hit sides.

John Cartwright heads down the MKM Stadium tunnel - perhaps for the final time. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — John Cartwright heads down the MKM Stadium tunnel - perhaps for the final time. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

Hull took a 12-6 lead into half-time but could not maintain that level of performance as a strong Saints pack took over.

This is a game that will be remembered for different reasons, however.

With all eyes on the reaction of Cartwright's players, they showed they were firmly in their coach's corner.

There was no sign of distracted minds or self-pity in a wholehearted performance that underlined their commitment to Cartwright.

Jake Davies goes over for St Helens. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

It took the hosts 11 minutes to break the deadlock on the back of strong running from Ligi Sao.

Davy Litten went close from Aidan Sezer's kick before Zak Hardaker smuggled away an offload to put Logan Moy over in the corner.

After watching Hardaker nail the touchline conversion, St Helens hit back through young back-rower Jake Davies.

Lewis Martin dropped a high kick and was punished, Davies running a good line to hit Jackson Hastings' short pass and step his way over.

Saints celebrate Jake Davies' try. (Photo: Olly Hassell/SWpix.com)

With Leeds Rhinos loanee Harry Newman front and centre, Hull issued a strong response to the setback.

Newman suffered an injury scare when he took a heavy bang to the nose but Deon Cross came off worse, sustaining a game-ending concussion.

Saints soon found themselves behind again after Kyle Feldt spilt Sezer's lofted kick.

Amir Bourouh caught Saints napping from close range in the next set and Hardaker added the extras to restore Hull's six-point advantage.

The Black and Whites needed a crucial tackle from Hardaker on George Whitby to keep that lead intact going into half-time.

But they lost Sam Lisone to a torn bicep and fell behind for the first time in the early stages of the second period.

Noah Stephens crashed over from another Hastings short ball before Sailor added a penalty to his second conversion following a high tackle by former Saints forward James Bell.

Hardaker responded with a nerveless penalty to level the scores once again, only for Sailor to put a try on a plate for Feldt and knock over the touchline conversion.

Sailor remained in the thick of it at both ends of the field, dropping a high kick to give Hull a sniff of an opportunity before being denied by a superb try-saving tackle from Moy.

But Saints secured the points when Harry Robertson punished a forced pass from Sezer with some fancy footwork, perhaps spelling the end of Cartwright's tenure.

Hull FC: Moy, Briscoe, Newman, Litten, Martin, Cust, Sezer, Hill, Bourouh, Sao, Bailey, Hardaker, Bell. Substitutes: Aydin, Fash, Laidlaw, Lisone.

Tries: Moy (11), Bourouh (28).

Goals: Hardaker 3/3.

St Helens: Sailor, Feldt, Cross, Robertson, Dagnall, Whitby, Hastings, Delaney, Clark, Klemmer, Whitley, Davies, Shorrocks. Substitutes: Walmsley, Lees, Stephens, Humphreys.

Tries: Davies (20), Stephens (47), Feldt (62), Robertson (74).

Goals: Sailor 3/4.

Referee: Liam Moore.