HULL FC coach Peter Gentle says he won't press the panic button despite their 24-10 defeat at Huddersfield Giants.
Shaun Lunt's try gave Huddersfield the lead, but Hull recovered from a sluggish start with tries from Ben Galea and Ben Crooks.
The Giants regained the lead winger Aaron Murphy went over after 54 minutes before Joe Wardle scored and Scott Grix added the 100th try of his career in the last minute.
Hull were without three members of the side that demolished Castleford 52-0 and Gentle felt injury and illness had disrupted his side's preparations for the clash.
"Six players had fitness tests yesterday, five passed and one didn't," he said.
"I was very pleased with our effort, although our execution left something to be desired at times.
"We didn't give ourselves a chance in the first half - we were a bit shellshocked - but we looked dangerous when we got into the game and, with a bit of luck, we could have got closer or even got a win.
"There are no panic stations yet. Huddersfield are a very good team, they're leading this competition for a reason and we weren't far off.
"We had a few young blokes out there and they will be better for the experience. There were plenty of pluses to come out of it."
Shaun Lunt's try gave Huddersfield the lead, but Hull recovered from a sluggish start with tries from Ben Galea and Ben Crooks.
The Giants regained the lead winger Aaron Murphy went over after 54 minutes before Joe Wardle scored and Scott Grix added the 100th try of his career in the last minute.
Hull were without three members of the side that demolished Castleford 52-0 and Gentle felt injury and illness had disrupted his side's preparations for the clash.
"Six players had fitness tests yesterday, five passed and one didn't," he said.
"I was very pleased with our effort, although our execution left something to be desired at times.
"We didn't give ourselves a chance in the first half - we were a bit shellshocked - but we looked dangerous when we got into the game and, with a bit of luck, we could have got closer or even got a win.
"There are no panic stations yet. Huddersfield are a very good team, they're leading this competition for a reason and we weren't far off.
"We had a few young blokes out there and they will be better for the experience. There were plenty of pluses to come out of it."
