Derby County have earned a 1-0 half-time lead over Bristol City in tonight's Championship meeting at Pride Park.

© PA Photos

The hosts were awarded a penalty in the opening five minutes when Jeff Hendrick was brought down in the area, but Jamie Ward's tame spot kick was palmed away by Tom Heaton.

Derby dominated during the opening 45 minutes and they nearly went ahead midway through the half as Paul Coutts's volley rattled the post.

City's best chance of the first period came soon after when Cole Skuse's long-range drive flashed narrowly wide.

However, the home side made the breakthrough on 36 minutes as Hendrick's looped shot beat Heaton after the visitors had failed to clear their lines from a corner.

Written by
Jack Prescott