The Bradford Bulls ended their six-game Super League losing run with a hard-fought 19-12 success over Tetley's Challenge Cup semi-finalists Hull FC.
Danny Tickle levelled the scores at 12 apiece in the second half and both sides squandered field position before Luke Gale's drop goal broke the deadlock.
The Black and Whites tried to keep the ball alive in search of that vital score, but it was the Bulls who had the final say with Matt Diskin driving his way over from close range to secure the points.
The result was only the Bulls second win in 11 games, yet Hull made the brighter start and went ahead after 12 minutes when Tom Briscoe cut diagonally back off of the wing from a Kirk Yeaman pass to touchdown between the posts.
Danny Tickle converted with the first of his two goals and the scoreboard remained at 0-6 until just before the half hour mark, although both sides spurned opportunities.
The simultaneous introduction from the bench of Heath L'Estrange and Jarrod Sammut, who had been out injured for seven weeks, sparked Bradford into life.
Good work from L'Estrange set up the position for Sammut to kick to the corner then follow up to collect once more and dive over when the ball bounced loose from a melee of players who attempted to claim it from the air.
Jamie Foster, who was largely responsible for recycling the ball for the try, converted from out wide to level the scores.
Minutes later Adrian Purtell burst clear, having latched onto a wayward but awkwardly bouncing Luke Gale pass, and enabled the supporting Elliot Kear to score and put the hosts ahead, Foster again adding the extras with the second of his three goals.
Bradford's 12-6 lead lasted until 12 minutes into the second half when Tickle charged onto Danny Houghton's pass and through a ruck of defenders to score, then converted his own try.
The Bulls were then forced into some desperate scrambling defence and weathered numerous repeat sets near their own line before a Sammut 40-20 gave them some welcome respite.
Twice the Bulls got in a position for a decisive drop goal but lost possession through careless handling while Hull had one rousing spell as the game drifted into its closing stages.
Finally with five minutes to go, Luke Gale landed a vital one-pointer for Bradford. Diskin then muscled his way over in the final minute to ensure an end to the Bulls' long winless run.