New loan striker Rob Hulse made a dream start for Leeds with two stunning goals as Kevin Blackwell's side swept aside promotion-chasing Reading at Elland Road.

The West Brom forward, drafted in until the end of the season, buried two spectacular right-foot shots early in the second half.

His debut double all but secured the points for Leeds, who had taken a first-half lead through the impressive David Healy nine minutes before the interval.

The Northern Ireland international raced onto Aaron Lennon's through ball in the 36th minute and showed fine control and poise to finish with a right-foot shot wide of Marcus Hahnemann and inside the far post.

Leeds boss Blackwell had resisted the temptation of tinkering with his preferred 4-3-3 formation following Hulse's arrival.

It had been mooted the former Crewe target man would partner Healy at the sharp end of a 4-2-2, but the latter was asked to continue in a wide role, with Lennon on the other flank and Hulse down the middle.

On-loan Blackburn left-back Michael Gray was making his home debut following his man-of-the-match display in last week's win at Burnley, while match-winner at Turf Moor, Gylfi Einarsson, was making his third start.

Reading boss Steve Coppell stuck with the same side held to a goalless draw at the Madejski Stadium last week by Plymouth.

Reading were first to threaten, Nicky Forster giving the Leeds' rearguard the slip straight from a throw-in, but he dragged his shot across the face of goal and wide of Neil Sullivan's right-hand post.

England Under-21 international Steve Sidwell let fly with a right-foot shot from 30 yards that flew wide, while at the other end Healy also pulled his effort from the edge of the area off target.

Lennon's left-footer after cutting into the box was easily collected by Hahnemann before new signing Hulse almost broke the deadlock.

The 25-year-old showed his worth by outjumping the visiting defence to meet Gary Kelly's fine cross and power a goalbound header towards the top corner, but Hahnemann tipped the ball onto the crossbar at full stretch.

Ivar Ingimarsson headed just over from one of several Reading corners and in an even contest Einarsson headed tamely wide from Healy's cross.

Lennon then wasted a golden chance following Ingimarsson's gaffe on the edge of the box, the teenager let down by a poor first touch and Hahnemann raced out to gather.

But Healy raised the roof when he showed top-class control to fire Leeds ahead.

The former Preston striker showed strength and poise to collect Lennon's through ball, hold off two lunging challenges and plant the ball beyond Hahnemann in the 36th minute to put Leeds in front.

Hulse spurned a chance to put Leeds two-up straight after the restart, lifting the ball over Hahnemann when well-placed in the area.

Reading veteran Les Ferdinand failed to keep the ball down after being played in by Glen Little as Reading chased an early leveller.

But then the moment all of Elland Road had been waiting for.

Sean Gregan sprayed the ball out wide for new boy Hulse and his fortuitous first touch was gathered at pace by Healy.

Healy's ball into the box was knocked down by Jermaine Wright for the loan striker, who had cut back inside, and he planted a right-foot shot from the edge of the area into the top corner.

Long-suffering Leeds fans went wild, but it got even better.

Healy played a delightful pass with the outside of his foot from a clearance first time for the marauding Hulse and although he had plenty to do with defenders quickly closing in, he unleashed a right-foot rocket from 25 yards that left Hahnemann with no chance.

Blackwell replaced him with Michael Ricketts soon after, presumably because he is not yet match fit, but Hulse got a standing ovation, as did Lennon moments later as he made way for Frazer Richardson.

Ricketts went close to making it four, but he curled a left-foot effort just over after bustling through into striking range.

Reading substitute Lloyd Owusu flicked home a late consolation for Coppell's side, but the day belonged to Leeds - and Hulse in particular.

Teams:

Leeds: Sullivan, Kelly, Carlisle, Butler, Gray, Lennon (Richardson 72), Gregan, Wright, Einarsson, Healy (Pugh 85), Hulse (Ricketts 71).

Subs Not Used: Walton, Johnson.

Booked: Hulse.

Goals: Healy 36, Hulse 56, 63.

Reading: Hahnemann, Murty, Sonko, Ingimarsson, Shorey, Little (Morgan 67), Sidwell, Hughes, Harper (Brooker 66), Forster, Ferdinand (Owusu 76).

Subs Not Used: Newman, Young.

Booked: Harper.

Goals: Owusu 89.

Att: 30,034

Ref: C Foy (Merseyside).