Match Report: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Derby

Bryson celebrates the winner

Rams beat arch rivals making it 3 in a row

Derby County: Fielding (GK); Brayford, Keogh, Buxton, Roberts (O’Connor 77); Coutts, Hendrick, Bryson, Hughes; Ward (Jacobs 65), Sammon (Robinson 81).

Subs Not Used: Legzdins (GK), Freeman, Gjokaj, Tyson.

Nottingham Forest: Camp (GK); Halford (Moloney 77), Ayala, Collins, Harding; Gillett, Cohen, McGugan (Lansbury 74), Reid (Sharp 74); Blackstock, Cox.

Subs Not Used: Evitmov (GK), Moussi, Coppinger, Majewski.

Here it was, the biggest game of the season for both teams. Before the game Nottingham Forest were unbeaten at home and Derby were yet without a win away from home and without a clean sheet. Could this change? Forest had the better of the start between the both sides, they dominated possession. Forest could of had an early penalty but the ref didn't see the handball from Jake Buxton, Forest seemed more of a threat but Derby's defence were winning everything in the air. The Rams had their first attack of the game with 17 year old Will Hughes passing to Sammon who was unable to find anyone in the box. Cohen who last year had to come off and missed the whole season saw his shot saved by Frank Fielding. Mid way through the half challenges were flying in, Gareth Roberts picked up a yellow card for a tackle on Cohen. As half time came by none of the teams were causing a real threat but Nottingham Forest were looking the better side, Connor Sammon had a shot before the half time whistle and was so unlucky to score. 

Half time: Nottingham Forest 0-0 Derby County

The second half had begun, the Rams were hoping for a better half than the first. Straight away Forest hoofed the ball up to Blackstock who elbows Keogh in the face, but was it deliberate? The referee gives a free kick to Derby and then surprisingly pulls out a red card from his pocket, Forest were down to 10 men. Could they win with 10 men this time? 9 minuets later Derby got their goal, with a lovely neat move, Coutts crossed he ball in, Sammon missed it but Bryson was there to tap it in to send the Derby fans crazy. After the goal Derby seemed to be dominating the game passing the ball well, but this was not their best performance so far this season. Mid way through the second half Jamie Ward had to come off with a hamstring injury, Derby fans applauded him as he came off and sung the 'Jamie Ward song'. Forest made 2 substitutions bringing on Billy Sharp and Henri Lansbury two very good players. Neither of them made a real impact as they came on, the only real chance Forest had was 2 minutes towards the end when Gillet smashing the ball but Fielding made a fantastic stop. Derby held on and beat their arch rivals once again making it 3 times in a row.

Full time: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Derby County  

Attendance: 28,707 (4,389 Visiting Supporters).

For all 4,389 travelling fans who went to the City Ground you were all in great voice!! Come on you Rams!!