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St Helens ran in four tries to comfortably beat Hull FC and extend their lead at the top of Super League.

Zeb Taia gathered Theo Fages' fifth-tackle grubber to score in the first half before Mark Percival extended Saints' lead after half-time.

Albert Kelly pulled one back for the visitors, but Taia's second and Luke Thompson ensured Saints of a ninth win in 10 games this season.

Chris Green's late try was nothing more than a consolation for Hull.

Saints are six points clear of second-placed Wigan, who have two games in hand.

Lee Radford's Airlie Birds have won five and lost five of their 10 matches but could have drawn level in the first half had Jordan Lane not knocked on with the try-line at his mercy.

They went to the break scoreless and needed Kelly's try after half-time to stay in touch.

Saints responded, running on the last tackle and sending Taia in for his second score before Thompson's try extended the margin of victory.

St Helens' only loss of the season remains the home defeat by defending champions Leeds Rhinos in round six.

St Helens coach Justin Holbrook: "Jonny Lomax was excited to get the opportunity. He only found out after lunch that he was playing and he went really well for us.

"When you play a third game in eight days you need everyone to play well and everyone did.

"It was a good win and, against a really dangerous attacking team, the way we defended makes it all the more sweet."

Hull FC coach Lee Radford: "It made it tough to have only two middles on the interchange but I can't fault the effort.

"Both teams were tired and busted from three games in seven days. They were a lot better than us.

"Every kick they threw up was a challenge, they played the ball quicker than us and they defended slowly. I was very envious watching their performance."

St Helens: Lomax, Makinson, Morgan, Percival, Fages, Richardson, Grace, Roby, Amor, Thompson, Peyroux, Taia, Wilkin.

Hull FC: Shaul, Logan, Griffin, Tuimavave, Griffin, Talanoa, Kelly, Sneyd, Taylor, Houghton, Paea, Washbrook, Lane, Fash.