Nigel Clough cut a frustrated figure after seeing his Derby County side beaten 3-1 at West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.

Clough had reason to be happy early in the second half when Chris Porter put his side ahead, setting the Rams on course for a third away victory of the season.

But two Chris Brunt goals and a late Simon Cox effort condemned Derby to defeat, and Clough was left disappointed his side didn't hold onto the lead.

"We started the second half well, and even after going ahead we continued to create some good opportunities," said Clough.

"We had enough going forwards to have won the game.

"If you can't extend the lead, you have to hold on to it and we didn't do that today.

"It was a mix-up in defence which allowed West Brom back into the game, we had two or three opportunities to deal with it and we didn't.

"That gave them some impetus and we didn't deal with the other two goals well enough.

"Today showed where we are right now; we matched them for 70 minutes but just couldn't see it through."

Leading goalscorer Rob Hulse was on the bench after picking up a back injury in training, but that presented an opportunity for Porter to stake a claim after a month on the bench.

Explained Clough: "Rob has had a bad back over the last 48 hours, so it was frustrating to be without him today.

"We didn't want him to be ruled out for longer by playing today, so we didn't risk him.

"Chris Porter did well, and a goal will do his confidence the world of good.

"Ports has only been out of the team because of the form of Commons and Hulse in recent weeks, but he can take something from today with his goal."