A STUNNING hat-trick from Rob Hulse was witnessed by Elland Road’s lowest league crowd in 16 years. It appears the issue of supporter apathy is not confined to the Barclays Premiership.

Many of the absentees from a turnout of 18,353 were no doubt safely ensconced from a bitter evening at home watching Liverpool tackle Chelsea in the Champions League, which is the nearest Leeds now come to a competition they were in serious contention to win just four years ago.

Others are dissatisfied with the price hikes instigated by Ken Bates, the chairman. Sam Ellis, the assistant manager, would rather discuss those who braved the elements. “It’s difficult for some supporters to afford two games in quick succession, but those who’ve come have done really well for us,” he said.

Those not present missed a 12-minute hat-trick from Hulse to end the contest against Derby County before the break. Hulse broke the deadlock by redirecting a mis-hit shot from Robbie Blake on 32 minutes, doubling the advantage five minutes later by applying a deft near-post flick to an Eddie Lewis cross.

When Lee Camp failed to hold a dipping Lewis effort shortly afterwards, Hulse forced home the rebound for his sixth goal of the season.

Sean Gregan headed into his own net, under pressure from Michael Johnson, but Derby are now without a win in eight games. Phil Brown, the manager, admitted: “We’re close to being a good team, but at the moment that isn’t good enough.”

LEEDS UNITED (4-4-2): N Sullivan — G Kelly, P Butler, S Gregan, S Crainey (sub: M Kilgallon, 85min) — J Douglas, F Richardson, S Derry, E Lewis — R Hulse (Sub: I Moore, 76), R Cresswell (sub: R Blake, 26). Substitutes not used: I Bennett, G Einarsson.

DERBY COUNTY (4-4-2): L Camp — J Kenna, A Davies, M Johnson, P Whittingham — T Smith (sub: A Bolder, 50), S Johnson, K Fadiga (sub: M El Hamdaoui, 50), M Bisgaard — P Peschisolido, S John (sub: D Holdsworth, 50). Substitutes not used: K Poole, M Tudgay.

Referee: G Salisbury.