A 36th-minute goal from Steve Hunt helped 10-man Brentford to an upset win over Derby.

Derby's already poor season took a turn for the worse when they were deservedly bundled out of the competition by a battling display from the Division Two side.

The Bees had to hang on for the last 19 minutes with 10 men after Steve Evans was sent off but Division One team Derby could not find a way through.

We were never found wanting after we were down to 10 men Brentford boss Wally Downes

Hunt's winner came when his curling free-kick from just outside the penalty area on the right evaded everyone, including goalkeeper Lee Grant, to creep in at the far post.

The free-kick had been conceded by Lee Morris just minutes after he went desperately close to giving Derby the lead, his shot hitting the junction of post and crossbar.

Derby were without Rob Lee, Danny Higginbotham, Craig Burley, Chris Riggott and Izale McLeod but began brightly.

Malcolm Christie just failed to connect with an Adam Bolder corner while midfielder Paul Boertien went close with a long-range effort.

But Brentford battled their way into the match and only a good save by Grant from Hunt prevented the Bees going two up just before the break.

Within minutes of the second half, Brentford's Martin Rowlands got on the end of Rowan Vine's cross but fired over the bar.

The winter will be long and cold and will get worse before it gets better Derby boss John Gregory

Then Hunt beat Derby's offside trap to race on to a Rowlands lob, but his effort was well saved by Grant.

As the pressure mounted, tempers began to fray and four players were booked in a four-minute spell.

And Brentford were down to 10 men when Evans saw red for a second bookable offence after a scything tackle on Tudgay.

Derby surged forward, and Morris fired in a shot which brought a terrific save from Paul Smith.

At the other end, Mark McCammon was booked for diving as Brentford's penalty appeals were turned down.

A 20-yard volley from Steve Elliott which flew wide was the last throw of the dice as Brentford held on.

Brentford: Paul Smith, Dobson, Sonko, Marshall, Frampton, Rowlands, O'Connor, Evans, Hunt, McCammon (Hughes 90), Vine.
Subs not used: Julian, Jay Smith, Williams, Tabb.

Sent Off: Evans (72).

Booked: Dobson, Evans, Frampton, McCammon.

Derby: Grant, Mills (Zavagno 70), Elliott, Evatt, Barton, Murray (Holmes 79), Bolder (Kinkladze 61), Boertien, Morris, Christie, Tudgay.
Subs Not Used: Jackson, Oakes.

Booked: Mills, Barton, Tudgay.

Att: 8,709

Referee: H Webb (S Yorkshire).