Hunt on target as Derby fall to new low

Steve Hunt ensured that Derby County's poor season took a turn for the worse on Saturday by scoring the 36th-minute goal that sent Brentford through to the fourth round of the FA Cup.

It was no more than the Second Division side deserved after a rousing battle in which they had to hang on for the last 19 minutes with 10 men after Steve Evans had been sent off. Hunt struck the winner when his curling free-kick from just outside the penalty area on the right crept in at the far post.

Derby, without Rob Lee, Danny Higginbotham, Craig Burley and Chris Riggott, rarely threatened, coming closest when Lee Morris hit a post. Their manager, John Gregory, said: "It's a tough day, this is difficult to accept, but any criticism I have of the lads will remain in the dressing room."