Derby County have moved to the top of the Championship after thrashing Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 at the iPro Stadium this afternoon.
The home side needed just over a quarter of an hour to take the lead, with Ryan Shotton flicking in from an Omar Mascarell delivery, Carl Ikeme only managing the deflect the ball in off the crossbar.
Bakary Sako came close to getting the visitors back on level terms a couple of minutes later, but his curling effort flew high of the bar.
The home side were able to double their lead just before the half-hour mark as Jeff Hendrick sent a low drive in from the edge of the box.
Johnny Russell made it three just before the break, finding the bottom corner with a powerful drive after Wolves failed to clear a Mascarell corner.
Mascarell continued to pose a threat at the start of the second half, rounding several defenders before attempting to set up Simon Dawkins, but he could only fire high.
Derby did extend their lead shortly after the restart though, as Hendrick bagged his second of the afternoon, smoothly slotting in from a Will Hughes pass.
Wolves had their best chance of the afternoon a few minutes later, but Kevin McDonald sliced his finish well high.
The miss allowed the home side back on the attack, with a deep pass falling for Russell to chip in his second of the match.
George Saville could have scored a late consolation for the visitors, but Jack Butland got down low to save his strike from the centre of the box.
Wolves continued to press inside the final 10 minutes, but they could not get a goal back, while Paul Coutts missed a stoppage-time opportunity to make it six for Steve McClaren's men.
The result leaves Derby two points clear of Bournemouth, while Wolves hold on to sixth spot in the table.
Sian Cowper
