Derby County scored twice in the second half to secure a 2-0 win over Carlisle United in the first round of the League Cup at Brunton Park this evening.
Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie came under pressure throughout the first half, twice denying Craig Forsyth in the opening half-hour.
Jamie Ward also tested the Carlisle stopper early on, forcing a parry from Gillespie before firing just wide from the rebound.
Chris Martin came closest to opening the scoring in the first half, striking the ball against the crossbar two minutes before the break.
Derby continued to produce the majority of the chances at the start of the second period, as Simon Dawkins, Forsyth and Craig Bryson all had efforts saved by Gillespie in the opening 10 minutes.
Carlisle started to see more of the ball as the second 45 minutes progressed, and came close to taking the lead when David Symington curled a free kick towards goal, but Lee Grant did just enough to force it onto the crossbar.
However, the Championship side immediately headed back down the other end, and finally managed to find a way past Gillespie when an unmarked Hendrick headed in from close range.
Derby pushed to double their lead shortly after taking the lead, but Steve Elliott pulled his effort just wide, while Gillespie denied Leon Best.
Symington had a late effort for a hosts, attempting to drive the ball for the equaliser in from the edge of the box, but his shot went just high.
Steve McClaren's men put to bed any hopes of a last-gasp comeback for the League Two side when Martin lashed the ball in deep into stoppage time, ensuring the Rams' progression in the competition.
Sian Cowper
