A swashbuckling first-half display set Derby up for an easy victory over Burnley at Pride Park.

Goals from Tommy Smith, Inigo Idiakez and Darren Moore put the result beyond doubt by the interval as Derby cut their opponents to shreds in the first 45 minutes - the only surprise being that they did not score more.

They had stated their intentions in only the fourth minute when Smith created an early chance for Idiakez, but his shot sailed over.

They burst forward again, Idiakez releasing Kevin Lisbie but the on-loan striker's rising shot found the side-netting.

The Rams deservedly took the lead in the 19th minute. Michael McIndoe, making his debut after joining from Doncaster Rovers, floated in a deep cross towards the far post where Lisbie was left all alone to head the ball back across goal and Smith had the simplest of tap-ins.

Smith could have added a wonderful second five minutes later, but after cutting in off the left wing, his curling shot went just the wrong side of the post.

Derby were running the visitors ragged and teenage midfielder Giles Barnes forced Chris McCann into conceding a free-kick right on the edge of the area in the 28th minute.

Idiakez relishes such opportunities, but it was made all the easier for him as the wall crumbled to allow his low strike straight through and past the unsighted Brian Jensen.

It was another free-kick from the Rams captain which led to the third goal five minutes later.

His curling shot struck the bar, but with Jensen off his line after diving for the original shot, Moore had the easy task of heading into the open goal.

With Burnley playing Michael Ricketts as a lone striker and struggling to penetrate, their first half was summed up when McCann crudely blazed over from a good position.

Burnley were soon in trouble again when John McGreal clumsily brought down Idiakez as he ran towards goal.

McGreal earned a booking and was relieved to see the free-kick strike the wall.

Derby threatened to pick up where they left off when Smith headed narrowly wide from a McIndoe cross early in the second half but they offered little more until McIndoe blazed wide just before the hour mark.

The hosts continued to probe away at Burnley, but without the urgency of the first half, while the visitors struggled to create any chances to trouble Derby goalkeeper Lee Camp.

McIndoe went the closest to adding a fourth in the 77th minute, sending a low shot towards the corner which Jensen only held at the second attempt.

Burnley had a glimpse of a consolation goal in the 83rd minute as Moore was forced to head behind after Michael Duff headed a free-kick back into the danger zone, but it was as close as they came.

In the closing stages, Idiakez fired wide from the edge of the area and the Derby crowd, who had continued to call for the ousting of the club board throughout, had to be happy with only the three goals.

Teams

Derby Camp, Edworthy, Nyatanga, Moore, Wright, Smith, Bolder,Idiakez, Barnes (Thirlwell 80), McIndoe (Holmes 85),Lisbie (Peschisolido 88).

Subs Not Used: Poole, Jackson.

Goals: Smith 19, Idiakez 29, Moore 34.

Burnley Jensen, Thomas, McGreal, Sinclair (Duff 70), Harley,Elliott, McCann, Hyde (Branch 57), James O'Connor (Spicer 45),Garreth O'Connor, Ricketts.

Subs Not Used: Noel-Williams, Lafferty.

Booked: Sinclair, McGreal, Hyde.

Att: 23,292

Ref: P Joslin (Nottinghamshire).