Leeds United's strength in depth in the striking department is keeping them in the Championship pack chasing runaway leaders Sheffield United.

Rob Hulse's 12-minute first-half hat-trick killed off Derby County 3-1 in front of the lowest attendance for a league game at Elland Road for 16 years.

Stay-away fans missed a masterclass in finishing by Hulse who has now scored six goals in his seven starts this season.

Until his opener, lively Derby had fashioned the better chances against a home defence whose lack of pace was continually exposed.

Curiously the game turned with the departure of Hulse's co-striker, Richard Cresswell, with a shin injury on 25 minutes. United were able to call on another class act as replacement up front in Robbie Blake, who quickly made an impact when his shot was steered in by Hulse.

Within minutes Hulse timed his run to perfection to graze Eddie Lewis' left-wing centre past Lee Camp.

The Derby goalkeeper was beaten again just before the interval when he spilled Lewis's shot and Hulse reacted quickly to thump in the loose ball.

The crowd, the lowest League gate at the ground since 14,459 saw a 0-0 draw with Oldham in the final game of the 1988-89 season, could hardly believe their eyes.

The purple patch continued immediately after half-time with Blake, Hulse and Jonathan Douglas all going close before wholesale Derby changes gave the visitors an extra man in midfield.

Leeds then fell back and dangerously invited pressure and for periods lost control of the game.

Derby's pressure gave them the reward they deserved when Sean Gregan, who had an uncomfortable night at the back, headed a corner into his own net under pressure from Michael Johnson.

More moments of uncertainty followed but Leeds - who played far better against Ipswich on Saturday and lost - laboured home.

Leeds have quality strikers at their disposal and should Cresswell not be fit to face Watford on Saturday they will have David Healy available after suspension - not a bad option in anyone's book.

Coca-Cola Championship

Leeds Utd 3, Derby County 1

(at Elland Road)

Leeds United: Sullivan, Kelly, Butler, Gregan, Crainey (Kilgallon 85), Richardson, Douglas, Derry, Lewis, Cresswell (Blake 25), Hulse (Moore 75). Subs (not used): Bennett, Einarsson. Cautions: Butler, Blake, Douglas. Goals: Hulse 32, 37, 44.

Derby County: Camp, Kenna, Davies, M Johnson, Whittingham, Smith (Bolder 51), Fadiga (Hamdaoui 51), Visgaard, S Johnson, Peschisolido, John (Holdsworth 51). Subs (not used): Poole, Tudgay. Goal: Gregan og 73.

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancs).

Attendance: 18,353.

Updated: 10:32 Thursday, September 29, 2005