Nottingham Forest 1-1 Derby County (EFL Championship) 23.10.20
The Reds retained the Brian Clough Trophy but it was spoils shared at the City Ground this evening as Forest came from behind to earn a point a piece against local rivals Derby County in the Championship.
It is now 1104 days since Derby last beat Forest but the away side had their moments in a game that the Reds rescued thanks to a first goal for striker Lyle Taylor.
It was the pink haired number 33, donning his style in favour of supporting breast cancer, who had the first opportunity of the game after three minutes when his shot was saved by veteran keeper David Marshall.
Derby had call for a penalty in the opening 17 minutes when Lawrence went down as Yates challenged but the Referee Harrington stood firm, the Rams denied on 27 when Samba saved well from Shinnie.
The away side didn’t have long to celebrate however as Waghorn curled home a beautiful free kick on the half hour to open the scoring, a tense first half ending with advantage for Phillipe Cocu’s men.
New signing Anthony Knockaert was introduced after the break for Lewis Grabban as Chris Hughton’s side pressed for a leveller and it finally came on 64 minutes as Lyle Taylor smashed home a corner that was headed on from Knockaert by Ryan Yates.
Taylor might have made it 2-1 only five minutes later but Marshall in the Derby goals saved the former Charlton forward’s header and a major scare at the other end was halted on 77 thanks to a linesman’s flag as Jozwiak netted to be adjudged offside.
A point shared perhaps a fair reflection, it’s now a win and two draws from Chris Hughton’s first three league game in charge as the Reds move on to five points for the season ahead of the Rams who are a point and position behind Forest in 21st.
A long old season it will be, but both will be looking for better going forward if they are to clear themselves from the relegation zone.
Nottingham Forest: Samba, Christie, Figueiredo, McKenna, Ioannou, Lolley, Arter, Yates, Ameobi, Grabban (Knockaert 46), Taylor.
Derby County: Marshall, Wisdom, Davies, Clarke, Byrne (Holmes 76), Knight, Shinnie, Buchanan, Jozwiak, Waghorn (Kazim-Richards 86), Lawrence (Sibley 86).
Venue: City Ground
*Main image @NFFC Lyle Taylor scored his first goal for Forest.
