Albion signed off their 2020/21 Premier League 2 home campaign with a second successive victory – with the team showing real character to force their way back into the game.
The visitors had taken a deserved lead following an impressive opening half hour, but two goals in as many minutes from an Eiran Cashin own goal and Danny Cashman turned the game completely on its head.
In an equally competitive second half, Albion made the points safe from the penalty spot when skipper Teddy Jenks netted his ninth goal of the campaign.
Derby, who sat sixth in the table before kick off, had the better of the early exchanges, with Josh Shonibare and Luke Plange forcing corners within the opening five minutes.
The pressure on Albion's rearguard continued as the visitors pressed well and broke with pace and purpose. They also had the lion’s share of possession, forcing Albion to drop deeper, but the hosts kept their shape and discipline to protect Carl Rushworth’s goal.
The Seagulls slowly got a foothold in the game and created their first opportunity on 23 minutes when left-back James Furlong broke forward, only to see his dangerous ball into the box cleared. Jack Spong was also fouled moments later, but Jenks could not get enough dip on the resulting 20-yard free kick and it failed to trouble Rams keeper Matt Yates.
Much of Derby's attacking intent came down the right flank, often through the impressive Shonibare, and they broke the deadlock on 33 minutes when the winger showed great pace before sending over a cross which was tucked home by Cameron Cresswell.
There was an inevitability about the goal but the lead lasted just three minutes as Albion, playing with more urgency, fed Furlong. Another fantastic ball from the left flank caused skipper Cashin to head past his own keeper.
It was a goal that certainly put a spring in Brighton's step and they took the lead soon after when Evan Ferguson caused further panic in the Derby box and Cashman was on hand to poke home.
The second half began with more impressive wing play from Shonibare, which resulted in an Osazee Aghatise shot which flew narrowly wide. The midfielder also spooned an effort over the bar as Derby pressed for the equaliser.
The next goal would prove crucial and with less than 20 minutes left on the clock, Cashman embarked on a mazy, driving run into the box, only to be brought down as he was set to shoot. Referee Matthew Russell had no hesitation pointing to the spot and skipper Jenks stepped up to score emphatically from the spot – his ninth goal of the season.
Following last week's 3-0 victory against Southampton, free-scoring Albion now go into their final game of the season at Everton next week hoping to sign off with a hat-trick of wins.
Albion: Rushworth, Tanimowo (Yapi 90), Wakely, Dendoncker, Furlong, Turns, Jenks, Leonard, Cashman (Tolaj 84), Spong, Ferguson (Ella 74).
Subs not used: Desbois, Vukoje