Willie Peters took heart from Hull KR's fighting spirit after watching his side bounce back with a gritty 26-12 derby win over Hull FC.

KR's title prospects were questioned after a heavy defeat at Leeds Rhinos, a result that left them sixth in Super League.

Their cause has not been helped by a spate of injuries in the pack but Rovers dug deep to see off a spirited challenge from their rivals at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium.

"We needed to find a way to win," said Peters.

"There's no doubt our attack wasn't very fluent and it needs to improve but we fought and that's the part I'm happy about.

"When it got tricky and tough, the players leant into it. Leading into the game, there was a lot of talk about where we were at but they're the games you get a lot of satisfaction out of because you learn a lot about the players and their character.

"There are some teams that would probably have lost that game but we found a way. It certainly wasn't perfect but I liked the fight that was shown."

Hull fought back from 10-0 down and were level with 13 minutes remaining, only to fall away and succumb to a ninth derby defeat in 10 meetings.

Hull KR claimed the spoils at the end of a hard-fought derby. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

placeholder image — Hull KR claimed the spoils at the end of a hard-fought derby. (Photo: Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com)

Interim head coach Andy Last was left to rue a costly late error from Lewis Martin, who lost the ball in a forceful tackle by Jez Litten and saw Jai Whitbread score the decisive try.

"On a big stage like this, that is a key moment," said Last.

"We probably had a bit of the momentum there but you can't go one-out against KR coming off your own tryline.

"He (Martin) will be hurting but we'll rally round him. It was a significant moment in the game but I know Lewis will learn from it and be better from the experience moving forward."