Brentford 2-1 Derby County

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Andre Gray celebratesImage source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Brentford celebrate Andre Gray's fourth goal of the season, which levelled the match against Derby

Derby County surrendered top spot in the Championship as they lost 2-1 against mid-table Brentford.

Chris Martin put the visitors in front, converting Craig Forsyth's cross for his 12th goal of the season.

Moses Odubajo's strong run set up a second-half equaliser for Andre Gray, who curled in from the edge of the box.

Striker Gray headed against the post from six yards but the Bees won it with a first-time shot from Stuart Dallas in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Watford are the new Championship leaders following their home win over Millwall, with Derby now three points adrift in fourth.

Steve McClaren's Rams began the game in second place after being deposed from the summit by Wolves, who drew 0-0 with struggling Birmingham in the day's early kick-off.

Derby dominated early on at Griffin Park, with Simon Dawkins - who scored twice in the midweek League Cup win at Fulham - shooting into the side-netting and a Forsyth cross causing havoc in the home defence.

Another Forsyth centre created the opener for in-form striker Martin, who finished left-footed from six yards out to give the Rams a deserved lead.

Ruthless Martin nets again for the Rams

Chris Martin has scored eight goals in his last eight appearances for Derby.

A rare Brentford counter-attack saw Jon Toral fire just wide of Jack Butland's post towards the end of the first period.

The Bees levelled four minutes after the interval, with Gray's composed finish ending his seven-week wait for a goal.

Seconds after Gray had nodded against the woodwork, Derby broke quickly and substitute Jordon Ibe was denied by Brentford goalkeeper David Button.

Martin failed to find the net with two headers, both from Cyrus Christie crosses, before Brentford's dramatic winner.

Alan Judge passed to Dallas, who fired into the top corner to give Mark Warburton's side their first victory in four Championship games.

Media caption,

Mark Warburton: Brentford boss on win over Derby

Brentford manager Mark Warburton on match-winner Stuart Dallas: "He has done exceptionally well for us. His fitness levels are improving and he is learning how to handle the Championship. All he wants to do is score goals so he has a big smile on his face now.

"We've made out intentions clear on how we want to play from the outset so I'm delighted that this result once again sends out a powerful message in loud voices to the division."

Media caption,

Steve McClaren: Derby County boss on Brentford loss

Derby manager Steve McClaren: "It's usually us who score at the end, so we will have to go away, lick our wounds and see a reaction on Tuesday.

"We started so well and were passing the ball around nicely, but in the second half we wanted to run with it and have too many touches and that allowed Brentford back into the game."

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