A terrific Benjani Mwaruwari hat-trick gave Portsmouth a 3-1 win over Derby at Fratton Park and ensured they remain on course for a UEFA Cup challenge as the Rams continue to languish at the bottom of the league.

The gulf in class was evident from the moment Portsmouth equalised and the Portsmouth fans, after months of enduring goalless draws at Fratton Park were invited to a striking master class from Benjani.

The game started at frantic pace, both sides going close to opening the scoring. But it was Derby who opened the scoring through Lewin Nyatanga in the fourth minute. Laurent Robert whipped the ball in from the right, Kenny Miller cut back and Nyatanga was there to open the scoring.

The game continued to swing from end to end, neither side's defence looking comfortable at all. Derby could have extended their lead through Kenny Miller when he was through on goal but David James did well to come out and smother the Scot's effort.

Emanuel Villa, Derby's new signing, looked lively and helped provide a cross which got the faintest of flicks from Sylvain Distin; Miller lingering behind and he surely would have made it 2-0 had the ball reached him.

If he had, the game could have taken a very different course. As it was Portsmouth found their rhythm and started to put the pressure on Derby.

David Nugent, who has been lacking in goals, had a great chance from ten yards out when he turned and volleyed only for the ball to go sailing over. However, Pompey weren't to be denied for long and Benjani finally made it 1-1 after a lovely move involving Pedro Mendes and Nugent. The ball came to Nugent who flicked it on to Mendes; he neatly squared it for Benjani to calmly turn and riffled the ball into the top of the net.

It only took another four minutes before Portsmouth took the lead. Benjani found himself in acres of space at the heart of the Derby defence and had the simplest of finishes as he nodded home his, and Portsmouth's, second. Niko Krancjar, who was a constant threat, stood the ball up and with no defender anywhere near him Benjani made no mistake.

The second half didn't live up to the excitement of the first but Portsmouth, and Benjani in particular, looked a constant threat. It seemed to be only a matter of time before Pompey extended their lead, and when they did it was no surprise that it was that man Benjani who netted.

The goal was of the highest quality. He picked the ball up in his own half, ran at the Derby defence before squaring it to Mendes who quickly fed it back. Benjani had continued his run and he neatly passed the ball into the net from 18 yards giving Lewis Price no chance.

Al Clifton / Eurosport