PORTSMOUTH, England (AFP) - Benjani Mwaruwari's quick-fire hat-trick ended Portsmouth's miserable home run as Harry Redknapp's side beat Derby 3-1 on Saturday.

Portmouth had gone seven matches without a win at Fratton Park since thrashing Reading 7-4 in September and hadn't even scored there for four months.

But Zimbabwean striker Benjani got his second hat-trick of the season in the space of just 16 minutes to finally give the fans something to celebrate.

There were few positives for Derby, who are still without an away win and remain bottom of the table. Paul Jewell's side were unable to capitalise on Lewin Nyatanga's early goal and look destined for a quick return to the Championship.

Sol Campbell was left out by Redknapp after some disappointing displays by the England defender recently. Lassana Diarra, signed from Arsenal in midweek, made his debut in midfield.

With Tyrone Mears injured and Claude Davis suspended, Nyatanga was drafted in and the Welsh defender got his side off to the perfect start.

Laurent Robert bent in a free-kick from the right and Darren Moore nodded on at the far post. Kenny Miller met it with a header that David James could only turn against the woodwork and Nyatanga drove home the rebound.

But Jewell's side hadn't won away all season. Instead of going for the kill they allowed Portsmouth to get into their stride. Benjani was the catalyst with a neat pass that sent David Nugent clear. The out of form striker blazed wastefully over but the tempo had been set.

Niko Kranjcar almost came up with an equaliser after 18 minutes when a vicious long-range drive from out on the left whistled fractionally over.

Miller had the ball in the net for Derby moments later when he converted Craig Fagan's pass but the effort was ruled out for offside.

That was a rare threat from the Rams and Portsmouth were soon back in the ascendency with Hermann Hreidarsson glancing a header just wide from a corner.

Diarra had the chance to claim a debut goal when he met Glen Johnson's cross with a firm header but his effort was well wide.

The hosts didn't have to wait long for their equaliser

In the 38th minute Nugent met Sylvain Distin's pass with a header to Pedro Mendes. The Portugal midfielder helped the ball on to Benjani, who span and hold off Moore's challenge before drilling into the roof of the net.

Redknapp's side were in the mood now and they took the lead four minutes later.

Nugent's cross was perfectly-weighted for Benjani and he rose highest to power a header past Lewis Price.

With 53 minutes gone, Benjani put Portsmouth in complete control with his 12th goal of the season.

Derby had no answer to Benjani's pace and power as he broke away. He picked out Mendes, who gave him a superb return pass. The Zimbabwean kept his composure to slide a fine finish past Price and inside the far post.