Brighton and Hove Albion eased past Derby County to win 3-0 and move level on points with Newcastle United at the top of the Championship.
The Seagulls’ eighth home league win out of 10 stretched the gap between them and third-placed Huddersfield to nine points, although the Terriers have two games in hand.
A superb solo effort by Anthony Knockaert put Chris Hughton’s side in front after five minutes before Sam Baldock doubled the hosts’ lead before half-time.
Derby’s manager, Steve McClaren, attempted to freshen up his side by introducing Will Hughes and Craig Bryson for the second half in place of Julien de Sart and David Nugent. But Brighton continued to pose problems and Knockaert was denied a second goal when his fierce long-range effort was tipped over by the alert Scott Carson.
The Brighton striker, Glenn Murray, eventually wrapped things up with 12 minutes left, converting from close range for his 18th goal of the season after a clever cross by Knockaert.
Brighton have won their last two league matches following earlier consecutive defeats by Nottingham Forest and Newcastle.
Matej Vydra headed against the post for Derby, who have now won only one of their last 10 matches in all competitions. With Newcastle not in action until Saturday, at home to Fulham, Brighton moved level on points with the league leaders, although remain second on goal difference.
Brighton, who have missed out on automatic promotion once and the play-offs three times in the last four seasons, now boast 19 league clean sheets.
