Half-Time Report: Derby County in command against Brighton & Hove Albion

A brace from Chris Martin and a strike from Johnny Russell have handed Derby County a 3-0 lead at the break in their Championship match against Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Rams took the lead in the 10th minute as Martin was released down the left with a through-ball from the midfield, and the striker maintained his composure to fire past David Stockdale with a left-footed strike.

Brighton almost hit back at the home side as Joao Carlos Teixeria found space down the left and managed to cut back inside his man and drill a low effort towards goal, but his shot went inches past the post.

Steve McClaren's side doubled their lead when they strung several passes together in the final third of the pitch before the ball was finally played into the six-yard box, where Russell was on hand to slot the ball past Stockdale.

Derby scored their third goal of the afternoon as Cyrus Christie raided down the right flank and whipped a pinpoint cross into the box for the run of Martin to head past Stockdale.