Hull strengthened their play-off challenge with a convincing victory.

Visiting keeper Joe Murphy was in inspired form and made a series of fine saves but was powerless to prevent Henrik Pedersen opening the scoring.

Murphy had already made a sensational save to keep out a point-blank header from Ian Ashbee before Pedersen headed in from close range on 27 minutes.

Michael Turner made it 2-0 by half-time with a thumping header from an Andy Dawson corner and Hull eased home.

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Hull manager Phil Brown:
"Derby games are difficult and we had to have the right attitude.

"The first goal was important and we closed them down well. In these games you have to dominate in certain areas and we did that for long spells today.

"Our position is a testament to the players, we've made great progress this season. They relish the challenge."

Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins:
"It should have been more passionate, but full credit to Hull - I thought they were magnificent, they are capable of challenging for promotion.

"We can't dwell on this too much and we have to believe we can stay up, there are lots of twists and turns to come.

"We caught Hull in a rich vein of form and have been undone by two set pieces. Hull had all the momentum here."

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Hull: Myhill, Ricketts, Turner, Brown, Dawson, Garcia (France 90), Ashbee, Marney, Pedersen (Walton 84), Campbell, Fagan.
Subs Not Used: Tyler, Clement, Bridges.

Goals: Pedersen 27, Turner 37.

Scunthorpe: Murphy, Hobbs, Crosby, Iriekpen, Williams, Cork, Goodwin (Horsfield 82), McCann (Weston 56), Morris (Forte 70), May, Paterson.
Subs Not Used: Lillis, Butler.

Att: 20,906.

Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).