Sheffield United 4-1 Hull City

Leon Clarke has scored eight goals in 13 appearances for Sheffield United this season

Leon Clarke scored four goals as Sheffield United moved up to second in the Championship after coming from behind to beat Hull City.

The Blades went in behind at the break after Kamil Grosicki struck a fierce effort from 25 yards out.

Clarke turned in a cross to equalise after the restart and then netted from close range to put the hosts ahead.

The striker bagged his hat-trick with a back-post header before capitalising on poor defending to score his fourth.

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Clarke, who doubled his goal tally for the season, was in the thick of the action throughout, forcing Tigers keeper Allan McGregor to save a header in either half before eventually getting on the scoresheet.

Chris Wilder's Blades have won seven of their eight league games at Bramall Lane this season, and sit two points behind Championship leaders Wolves.

Hull, meanwhile, have lost their last three league games and drop two places to 20th in the table, increasing the pressure on manager Leonid Slutsky.

The Russian said in midweek that he would accept the board's decision if they chose to sack him.

The former CSKA Moscow and Russia boss has won just four of his 16 league games since taking charge in the summer following the club's relegation from the Premier League.

Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder:

"We found ourselves one-nil down, completely against the run of play, so it was a big test of character for us, especially after the defeat at QPR.

"I just thought we showed exactly what we're about, with and without the ball.

"I thought all of the players were outstanding. We had a few words with them after Tuesday night because we were not where we set our standards and we had to get back on it.

"Leon [Clarke] was outstanding. His performance was first-class."

Hull City manager Leonid Slutsky:

"We are really broken after each goal. I tried to change the situation because in the last three matches we had the same situation. We concede a goal and we stop playing football.

"Really, we don't have a strong mentality and we don't have team spirit. Of course it's very bad and I'm very angry. It's like two completely different teams playing before a goal and after a goal.

"I don't have the answer why. It's my job, I agree. It's not a question about somebody, it's about me.

"It is a very difficult time for me and of course I am worried. Now I have a lot of questions in my head and I don't have the answers. I will find the answers."