Derby County continued their impressive Sky Bet Championship campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cardiff City, thanks to goals from George Thorne and Andreas Weimann. 

The Rams looked to get back to winning ways at the iPro Stadium yesterday after losing for only the second time this year against Nottingham Forest before the international break.

Cardiff came into the game under some decent form, and recorded a well-deserved victory over Reading in their last game.

Derby dominated the first half with over 70% possession, but Cardiff held firm and David Marshall pulled off several outstanding saves to deny the Rams.

Cardiff's best effort before the break saw South African midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi poke Kenwyne Jones' cutback wide.

Derby continued their rampage into the second half and it was too much for Russell Slade's side to handle, as Thorne eventually broke the deadlock with an excellent strike.

Weimann then sealed the victory with a nice finish inside the six yard box. Derby were the better side on the day and Cardiff did well to hold out until the 55th minute.

The Rams climbed one place above Burnley into fourth, who play unbeaten side Brighton and Hove Albion today. The Bluebirds dropped one place to ninth in the Championship, but still remain just three points behind sixth placed Birmingham City.

Football League World writer Ashley Williams looks at three things that we learned from the yesterday's game…

1) Cardiff’s lack of tempo

It’s been a similar story for Cardiff in this game as it has been for much of their season - lack of tempo to the play and the inability to retain possession.

There are many faults to Cardiff, and they have been duly criticised this season for their goal droughts.

Despite ending that drought against Reading previously, you wonder if the lack of tempo and not being able to get on the ball is costing them many goals this season.

They have only scored 17 goals this season, which is comfortably the least in the top half of the division.

2) Cardiff’s dependence on Marshall

Goalkeeper Marshall makes a massive difference in Cardiff’s game. He is an outstanding goalkeeper.

He is always there at the right time, and it is not very often that viewers don’t hear that Marshall has produced an outstanding save that has saved his team from conceding.

He is the best goalkeeper in the Championship, and he continues to prove that this season.

3) Are Derby capable of an automatic spot?

There is no doubt that many expect Derby to cement themselves a play-off place but, with only losing two games this year and the side bursting with confidence, why shouldn’t they believe that they could reach an automatic spot by the end of the season?

Clement has the coaching ability to achieve great things at Derby and if they continue their recent form, you would fancy them to go all the way.

Derby and Cardiff fans… what did you think of the game today? Do Cardiff need another striker? Can the Rams achieve an automatic spot? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!