Bulls boss Steve McNamara admits his side “clocked off” at a crucial moment to seal their fate in yesterday’s 28-22 defeat against Hull FC.

Despite trailing 22-6 at the break, Bradford had battled back to level the scores through Danny Addy’s try entering the final quarter of the game.

But Jordan Tansey produced a game-breaking moment that also broke Bulls hearts, making 70 metres with a kick return before adding a quality off-load to hand Craig Hall the decisive try on a platter.

Up until that point, McNamara’s side had looked the more likely winners. Instead, he was left to rue a club record sixth straight Super League defeat.

“In our second-half performance I thought we’d done enough to go on and win the game and I felt we were going to go and do that because we had the momentum,” said McNamara.

“It was a special kick return on play one from Jordan Tansey. We clocked off for that play and it’s cost us.”

The Bulls had already given themselves a mountain to climb following a woeful first half when they looked impatient and nervous, too often trying to force passes and making wrong decisions.

But McNamara was heartened by the second 40 minutes and is confident his team can take that form into Friday’s game against Harlequins.

He said: “Particularly in the first half, we did need more composure. Both sides were missing key playmakers, who generally bring that steadiness, and the run we’re on also brings its own edginess.

“But if we continue that form from the second half next week, we’ll be fine. I think the second half showed the way to go for us.

“At this moment in time, the bounce of the ball and bits and pieces here, there and everywhere aren’t quite falling for us, so we need to make sure we work extra hard. We’re not far off at all.”

McNamara also reserved praise for 19-year-old Addy, who claimed his first Super League try and was named the club’s man of the match to boot.

“Danny played well and certainly played his part in that second-half performance,” said McNamara.

“There’s plenty of good young kids coming through and it’s an area we’ve focused on for a long time.”