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Jamie Ward has scored five goals in his last three Championship outings

Derby County came from behind to win away from home for the first time in the Championship this season against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park.

Rovers were ahead in the opening minute, former Leicester midfielder Ben Marshall scoring from distance.

Derby led by the interval, Jamie Ward equalising from close range before Will Hughes netted from 18 yards.

Ward curled a left-footed effort into the far corner to make it 3-1 before Rudy Gestede's consolation.

Steve McClaren's side move up to seventh in the table, four points behind second-placed Norwich.

Blackburn are away to bottom club Fulham on Saturday while Derby host Cardiff

In contrast, Blackburn first home defeat of the campaign leaves them down in 13th spot.

There was no sign of what was to come when Marshall sent the ball looping up off Richard Keogh's sliding block and beyond goalkeeper Lee Grant.

But the visitors were level in the ninth minute, Northern Ireland international Ward blazing into the roof of the net from close range after Craig Bryson's effort fell into his path.

Ward turned provider when he teed up Hughes to finish with his left foot to make it 2-1 eight minutes before the interval.

And Ward capped a fine display when he curled a left-footed effort into the far corner to give the Rams a two-goal cushion.

Gestede set up a grandstand finish after poking the ball past Grant at the near post 12 minutes from time.

Rovers came inches away from a late leveller, Gestede's downward header being turned on to the woodwork by substitute Omar Mascarell in stoppage time.

Blackburn manager Gary Bowyer:

"I thought we were outstanding. Steve McClaren is running up and down the technical area with five minutes to go.

"The sense of relief from their bench and their players just shows the amount of pressure we put them under.

"We've had a right good go and we've been excellent."

Derby manager Steve McClaren:

"I think we deserved the result. It would have been a travesty if they had equalised.

"Last year we drew against Birmingham 3-3 when 3-1 up, but we've hung on and got the points and it's a big win.

"This league is tough, it's really hard. There's so many teams now who see us as big fish and are approaching it differently to stop us playing,"