Jarrod Bowen scored twice in the second half to earn Hull a 2-0 victory at home to Derby.
The much-in-demand winger had played most of the game in an unorthodox role up front. But once substitute Tom Eaves occupied that position, Bowen scored within a heartbeat.
Leo Lopes’ deep cross from the left was perfect, but Bowen was in the right place at the right time and headed home after 74 minutes.
Derby, who had a goal disallowed in the second half, continue to find it tough on the road – having not won away since the opening weekend of the season.
Josh Bowler’s left-footed drive inside the penalty area was unconvincingly saved by Kelle Roos before being hoofed away and that passage set the tone after 18 minutes.
Kieran Dowell’s clipped cross into the penalty box from the right was as teasing as it was well directed.
But Tom Lawrence’s poked effort from close range was easily stopped by George Long, who was in a good position to snub out the danger.
Long was far from in a good position in first-half injury time, when he came for a routine high ball from Lawrence’s right-sided free-kick.
The Hull goalkeeper dropped the ball under no real pressure, with Chris Martin’s attempt from the resulting skirmish cleared to safety.
Indeed, the visiting supporters thought their side had scored after 56 minutes when Lawrence headed home Jayden Bogle’s cross from the right.
Hooper’s decision re-energised Hull, who were by far the more potent team inside the final half an hour.
Hull, though, continually made the wrong decision in front of goal – with Grosicki’s needlessly elaborate pass, when it was much easier to shoot, a case in point.
