Derby County produced a sparkling away performance as they swept aside Bristol City with a commanding 5-0 victory at Ashton Gate, lifting the Rams into the Sky Bet Championship play-off positions.

The visitors flew out of the traps and were two goals up inside the opening 16 minutes thanks to a devastating spell in front of goal.

Rhian Brewster struck first, finishing confidently, before Ben Brereton Díaz doubled the advantage just three minutes later to leave the home crowd stunned.

Derby continued to dominate and added a superb third nine minutes before the interval.

A flowing, one-touch counter-attack carved through the Robins’ back line, allowing Bobby Clark to sweep home and put the Rams firmly in control at the break.

The second half brought little relief for the hosts.

Midway through the period, Patrick Agyemang climbed highest to power in a header and further extend Derby’s advantage as the visitors showed no signs of letting up.

There was still time for a fifth. In the closing stages, substitute Lars-Jørgen Salvesen reacted quickest inside the box to turn in from close range, rounding off a memorable night for Paul Warne’s side.

The emphatic result lifts Derby to sixth in the table, while Bristol City drop to ninth after a night they will be keen to put behind them.

Derby storm into Play-Off places with five-star showing at Bristol City

Derby storm into Play-Off places with five-star showing at Bristol City