Martyn Waghorn scored a hat-trick and Mason Mount netted on his comeback as Derby thrashed struggling Rotherham 6-1 at Pride Park.
On-loan Chelsea midfielder Mount marked his return after missing 10 games with a hamstring injury by winning the penalty that put Derby on course for only a second win in eight league matches and a return to the top six.
Waghorn scored either side of a Bradley Johnson header before Mount got the fourth and then set up Duane Holmes. Waghorn’s second spot-kick gave Derby six goals in a game for the first time since 1996.
Rotherham were outplayed and Richard Wood’s header was the only bright spot as they remain in the relegation zone.
The goal lifted Derby and Lawrence fired into the side netting but Rotherham almost equalised in the 27th minute when Newell’s corner found Semi Ajayi, whose first effort was blocked on the line by Holmes before his follow-up was saved by Kelle Roos.
Roos turned behind a Newell free-kick but Derby went in at half-time knowing they were in complete control and Rotherham’s slim hopes were extinguished three minutes into the second period.
Wood headed in a corner in the 53rd minute but Derby restored their four-goal cushion when Holmes volleyed in Mount’s header 10 minutes later and Rotherham’s afternoon got worse with 20 minutes to go.
