LEE Radford has spelt out the importance to his Hull FC players that they make the most of any derby momentum when they have it.
The Hull coach expects both sides to enjoy moments of supremacy at the Etihad Stadium this evening, identifying whichever team makes the most of those spells on top as key to victory.
Pointing to the close nature of not just this season's 21-20 victory for Rovers at the KC Lightstream Stadium but last year's controversial Magic Weekend win for the Black and Whites, Radford is bracing himself for another nervy and close encounter.
"You only have to look at the scorelines from the derby games over the past couple of years to see there has been absolutely nothing to choose between the sides," Radford told the Mail.
"I was asked this week why there always seems to be a controversial moment in the Hull derby which settles the game, and it's probably because there is so much at stake and there's little to split the teams, so every incident gets highlighted even more.
"The sense of occasion and the importance of victory for each club makes it even more competitive and I expect this game to be no different.
"Both sides will enjoy moments of being on top and what is important for us is we make the most of those moments because winning a derby is all about riding the momentum when you have it."
Radford is hoping the occasion will lift his side this week following two flat performances that have led to defeats and increasing pressure at the KC Stadium.
Insisting confidence is not an issue, the Hull coach admits his players must now focus on pulling together.
"What we need is a collective performance, not spits and spurts from individuals," he added.
"If we get the collective performance we are after then I know we will get the result. They'll be more confident but we are determined."
