Leeds went ahead after 20 minutes when Matt Heath bundled home as Thompson's set-piece created confusion for Hull.

Hull levelled in first-half injury time when veteran Nicky Forster slammed home from six yards after Neil Sullivan blocked Michael Turner's effort.

Thompson struck the winner five minutes after half-time, curling a brilliant free-kick beyond Boaz Myhill.

Hull manager Phil Brown:
"Everything about the game beforehand was positive but we've disappointed a sell-out home crowd.

"We've not played the way we know we can and that is very disappointing. We had a full house on merit but we just didn't play.

"We live to fight another day though and will dust ourselves down for the West Brom game at the weekend."

Leeds boss Dennis Wise:
"We deserved to win. We were disappointed with the goal we conceded, but we played well.

"We've got 13 injuries at the club, which is not very nice, but it is pleasing to see people come in and do so well.

"We are pleased to get the result and I don't think I can ask anything else of the lads."

Hull: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Delaney, Dawson, France (Bridges 61), Ashbee, Marney, Forster, Parkin (Duffy 85), Windass (Elliott 79).
Subs Not Used: Duke, Coles.

Booked: Turner.

Goals: Forster 45.

Leeds: Sullivan, Armando Sa (Einarsson 85), Heath, Rui Marques, Richardson, Thompson, Douglas, Howson, Lewis (Crainey 81), Healy (Blake 90), Kandol.
Subs Not Used: Carole, Tom Elliott.

Booked: Lewis, Heath, Kandol, Healy.

Goals: Heath 21, Thompson 50.

Att: 24,311

Ref: P Joslin (Nottinghamshire).