Derby County replaced Hull City at the summit of the Sky Bet Championship after a convincing 2-0 win at the KC Stadium.
Two first-half strikes from Jacob Butterfield sealed the points for the Rams, as Hull fell to a first defeat since mid-September.The hosts failed to cause the visitors much trouble throughout the 90 minutes, with Shaun Maloney going closest with a blazed effort over the bar.
Derby have now gone nine Sky Bet Championship games unbeaten, and top the standings for the first time this season.
Brighton & Hove Albion, Middlesbrough and Burnley - providing they record a big scoreline - can ensure Derby's time at the top is short lived with victory in their respective Saturday fixtures.