Paul Jewell finally secured his first league win as Derby boss after a 2-1 success over Sheff Utd.
Hulse scores winner against former club at Pride Park
Paul Jewell finally secured his first league win as Derby County manager after Rob Hulse struck the decisive goal against former club Sheffield United.
It had been almost 12 months since the Rams beat Newcastle United in the Premier League and Jewell had yet to taste league success since assuming control at Pride Park.
However, he now has reason to celebrate after ex-Blades striker Hulse lashed home from close range on 71 minutes to secure a 2-1 win.
Derby had taken a 23rd minute lead in fortunate circumstances when a cross ricocheted into his own net off Matthew Kilgallon after Paul Green had got the merest of touches to the ball.
The visitors were level within three minutes, though, when Greg Halford stood up a superb cross and Darius Henderson rose well to head home.
Cagey start
After a cagey start it was Derby who fashioned the first goalscoring opportunity, with Hulse turning sharply before forcing Paddy Kenny to turn his strike round the post.
Halford came close to breaking the deadlock at the other end when his measured free-kick flashed narrowly wide.
But Derby were in front after 23 minutes when Scotland winger Kris Commons whipped in an inviting cross which glanced off Green's head before striking Kilgannon and flashing into the back of the net.
The Blades were soon level with a goal on the counter-attack as the visitors worked the ball out to the right, where Halford overlapped and picked out Henderson with a pinpoint cross, and the summer signing from Watford rose to nod the ball past Roy Carroll at the back post.
United could have taken the lead just before the break when Billy Sharp found space in the box but shot just wide of the far post.
Derby had an opportunity to restore their advantage within a minute of the restart when Chris Morgan fouled Emanuel Villa on the edge of the penalty area, but Commons fired his free-kick just wide of Kenny's right-hand post.
The Rams started to stroke the ball around with confidence and had another opportunity to take the lead after 53 minutes when Paul Connolly crossed into the path of the onrushing Miles Addison, who fired over the crossbar.
Controversy
And two minutes later came a moment of controversy when Hulse surged into the box before being challenged by Kilgallon.
The referee took time to consult his linesman before awarding a corner, with the Derby players and Jewell expecting him to point to the spot for a penalty.
Derby were in no mood to dwell on that disappointment and Jordan Stewart produced a superb cross for Villa, who rattled the crossbar with a venomous header.
But five minutes later the home side finally got the goal they deserved when Nacer Barazite crossed from the right and the ball found its way to Hulse, who gave Kenny no chance with a left-footed finish from eight yards.
Despite a tense finale, Derby held on to finally end their barren run.
