TOWN'S hopes of building on Wednesday's battling win over Crystal Palace were dashed as Derby dominated at Pride Park.

 Rams striker Jamie Ward and Town's Oliver Norwood both came close with free-kicks before the home side claimed a 25th-minute lead.

Paul Coutts crossed from the right and midfielder Craig Bryson sidefooted home from close range to reward a spell of pressure.

The advantage was doubled in the 34th minute, when the busy Ward met left-back Gareth Roberts' delivery and drilled the ball into the roof of the net.

James Vaughan steered substitute Sean Scannell's 56th-minute cross against a post, but Derby struck for a third time two minutes later.

Ex-Town loan defender Richard Keogh met Ward's free-kick from the right to head home powerfully from 15 yards out.