Leeds 3-1 Derby

Rob Hulse grabbed an 12-minute hat-trick as Leeds reasserted their promotion credentials with an emphatic victory over Championship rivals Derby.

Hulse steered home his first on 32 minutes after Robbie Blake's shot fell into his path and soon after converted Eddie Lewis's cross for his second.

Lewis was involved in the third, it was his shot which Hulse reacted to in predatory style to complete his treble.

Derby pulled one back when defender Sean Gregan put through his own net.

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Leeds assistant boss Sam Ellis
"We'd like to think if we keep playing like that we'll be up there with them.

"And if we keep playing like that then we will be.

"The lads showed character because it's hard work when we felt we didn't get what we deserved against Ipswich on Saturday, but we've bounced back."

Derby manager Phil Brown
"We more than matched them apart from that 12-minute spell

"We suddenly find ourselves 3-0 down and at half-time I was looking at a damage limitation job.

"I could see how fragile our defence was and the confidence started to go. But the players kept going and were rewarded with the goal."

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Leeds: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Gregan, Crainey (Kilgallon 85), Richardson, Douglas, Derry, Lewis, Hulse (Moore 76), Cresswell (Blake 25).
Subs Not Used: Bennett, Einarsson.

Booked: Butler, Blake, Douglas.

Goals: Hulse 32, 37, 44.

Derby: Camp, Kenna, Davies, Michael Johnson, Whittingham, Bisgaard, Fadiga (Bolder 50), Seth Johnson, Smith (El Hamdaoui 51), John (Holdsworth 51), Peschisolido.
Subs Not Used: Tudgay, Poole.

Goals: Gregan 74 og.

Att: 18,353

Ref: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire).