John Eustace has given Derby County a 1-0 lead at the halfway stage of their Championship clash with Queens Park Rangers this evening.
The hosts almost took the lead in the very first minute as Patrick Bamford beat the offside trap to race through on goal, but Aaron Hughes got back to make a vital last-ditch challenge.
They came close again in rather more unorthodox fashion a little over 10 minutes later when Clint Hill's clearance deflected off Jake Buxton, drawing a fine reaction stop from Rob Green.
The opening goal came in the 20th minute when Green's punch only fell as far as Eustace, who nodded an effort past Gary O'Neil on the line at the far post to give his side the lead.
The visitors did come close in the closing stages of the half when O'Neil picked out Hughes at the back post, but his header lacked the power required to beat Lee Grant, who made the save.
Should Derby hold on for the victory in the second half, then they would move just one point behind QPR and second-placed Burnley in the Championship table.
Barney Corkhill
