KEVIN Blackwell's gamble to play big striker Rob Hulse paid huge dividends with a 2-0 Championship win against Wolves.

The Leeds United striker made a scoring return to action as United ended Wanderers' 21-match unbeaten run in the Elland Road heat.

The £1.1million summer signing from West Brom, who had a successful loan spell with United last season, had missed most of the pre-season programme and the first three games of the season, but made a surprise return to the starting line-up.

Blackwell said: "I kept it a closely-guarded secret whether he would play.

"I just felt if I could get 60 minutes out of Rob that would be great because he's not just a talisman, he's a quality striker."

Hulse netted the crucial second goal on the hour and Leeds were able to see out the rest of the game in relative comfort.

That seemed an unlikely scenario in the first half as United took a mauling from a confident side unbeaten since January 4.

Glenn Hoddle's team passed and moved superbly and it needed maximum concentration by twin centre-backs Paul Butler and Sean Gregan to keep them at bay.

United went ahead early on when Eddie Lewis converted Frazer Richardson's cross from the right but that was a rare foray as Wolves controlled midfield and one-way traffic flowed towards Ian Bennett's goal.

Wolves lacked a cutting edge - Bennett fielded a succession of tame shots - and Kenny Miller should have done better when he smacked the crossbar after getting behind United's left flank.

Hard work kept Leeds in the hunt and after Hulse's goal Hoddle reshuffled his pack as Wolves were forced to chase the game. They gradually lost their self belief and it was Leeds who finished the stronger to set them up for next Saturday's visit to Norwich.

Coca-Cola Championship

Leeds United 2, Wolves 0

(at Elland Road)

Leeds United: Bennett, Kelly, Butler, Gregan, Harding, Richardson (Healy 79), Einarsson, Derry, Lewis, Blake (Douglas 58), Hulse (Ricketts 75). Subs (not used): Sullivan, Kilgallon. Goals: Lewis 7, Hulse 60.

Wolves: Oakes, McNamara, Lescott, Edwards, Naylor, Ricketts (Davies 58), Olofinjana, Cameron (Clarke 69), Seol (Ndah 64), Miller, Cort. Subs (not used) Gespes, Ikerne. Caution: Cameron.

Referee: Richard Beeby (Northants).

Attendance: 21,229.

Updated: 08:48 Monday, August 22, 2005