A brace from Chris Martin fired Derby County to a 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon as the Rams maintained their lead at the top of the Championship table.

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.

In the second half, the Rams could have extended their lead when Craig Bryson picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and fired a dipping effort that was turned onto the post by Stockdale, and was then turned behind by a defender.

Stockdale kept the scoreline respectable for the Seagulls as he denied Jeff Hendrick after the midfielder coasted into the area and drilled a low effort towards the bottom corner.

Martin was denied his hat-trick for the home side as he drilled a powerful strike at goal from distance, but Stockdale was there again to make the stop to deny the forward, although McClaren's men held out for an simple win.