Braces from debutant Thomas Ince and Jeff Hendrick guided Derby County to a 4-1 victory over Bolton Wanderers in the Championship this afternoon.

The visitors were the first team to threaten as they won a free kick deep in Derby territory, and Barry Bannan lifted a dangerous cross into the box which was headed onto the crossbar and over by Dorian Dervite.

Hendrick could have done better for the Rams with an opportunity in the 12th minute as he pounced on a poor clearance from the Bolton defence, but he was unable to hit the target with his drive from 20 yards.

The home side took the lead when they won a free kick 20 yards from goal. Debutant Ince stood over the set piece and fired a strike with his left foot into the top corner, leaving Andy Lonergan with no chance.

Steve McClaren's men doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time as Hendrick powered a low effort into the bottom corner, finishing a sublime team move from the Rams that heavily involved Will Hughes.

After the break, Derby scored their third goal of the game as they worked the ball across the field with another incisive passing move, before Hull City loanee Ince netted his second goal with a low finish past Lonergan.

However, Bolton got a goal back immediately when the home side failed to clear their lines from a free kick and Filip Twardzik was on hand to turn the loose ball into the net.

The Rams managed to see off the threat from the Trotters when they scored again through Hendrick, who guided a header into the net from close range to seal his side's victory.