Chris Martin scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot to fire Derby County to a 1-0 victory over Blackpool to move them to the top of the Championship.
The visitors began the game on the front foot and went close when Jordan Ibe collected the ball and raided down the left. The winger cut inside on his right foot and fired at goal, but he dragged his effort wide.
Debutant keeper Jack Butland kept the scores level as he denied Blackpool the lead, when he made a low block at his near post to prevent Tony McMahon's shot from finding the net.
Butland was on form again as he made a solid stop when Ishmael Miller broke upfield and drove with pace into the box. The striker powered an effort at goal, but the keeper was on hand to beat the ball away with a firm fist.
Nathan Delfouneso should have given his side the lead he when controlled the ball in the box and had space and time to find the net, but he somehow missed the target from close range.
Derby had a late chance before the break when Johnny Russell managed to raid into the area, but his shot was well blocked by Joe Lewis, who came out of his goal to narrow the angle.
In the second half, Blackpool started strongly and went close from a corner as Donervon Daniels rose highest in the penalty area, but he guided his header just over the bar.
Lewis kept the scores level when he made a save to deny Russell, as the midfielder powered an effort at goal from 25 yards which looked destined for the net, but the keeper palmed his shot over the bar.
Steve McClaren's side kept pushing away and they finally got their goal when Russell was brought down in the area and a penalty was awarded. Martin took the spot kick and fired the ball past Lewis to earn his side the three points.
Simon Sinclair
