H-BOMBERS Rob Hulse and David Healy may be the attacking combination to fire Leeds United in to the play-offs.

The pair were both on target in United's 3-1 Championship win at Elland Road over disappointing Reading.

United are just four points from a play-off spot and although they have played more games than their rivals, assistant manager Sam Ellis admitted the Whites are in with a shout.

He said: "We've no relegation problems now and hope we can get in among those above us.

"We've given ourselves a good chance of doing that now. The play-offs are a hopeful, but realistic possibility."

Although it is still an outside chance they now carry a greater attacking threat having added on-loan Hulse from West Brom.

Healy set up both Hulse goals - both second-half crackers from 20 and 25 yards - and the 25-year-old former Crewe frontman was only denied a hat-trick by a fingertip save by Marcus Hahnemann in the first half.

Healy got the Leeds ball rolling when former York City man Graeme Murty's clearance in the bitter swirling wind hit one of his own players. The Northern Ireland international striker was on to the loose ball in a flash and held off two defenders to finish with great composure.

Hulse stepped up after the interval with his quickfire spectacular double - earning a booking for taking his shirt off in celebrating the first - as Leeds eased home.

Royals' sub Lloyd Owusu netted a consolation effort late on but Leeds were full value for maximum points.

With Michael Gray settling in well at left-back on his home debut, Kevin Blackwell's squad now has more depth and experience.

However, forthcoming successive games at Wigan (away) and West Ham (home) should tell whether Leeds are able to mount a sustained challenge.

One thing's for sure - Hulse certainly has a lot to live up to after his sparkling debut.

Updated: 10:41 Monday, February 14, 2005