An early goal has given Nottingham Forest a 1-0 lead over Derby County in their Championship match at the City Ground this evening.

It did not take the home side long to break the deadlock, with Nelson Oliveira rifling the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the penalty area just five minutes into the tie.

The visitors had a chance to get back on level terms down the other end just a couple of minutes later, but George Thorne's 30-yard drive was high and wide, while another effort from Oliveira came close to doubling Forest's lead, but Scott Carson managed to tip it around the post.

Derby started to see more of the ball midway through the half as they continued to seek an equaliser, resulting in the ball dropping to Jeff Hendrick just outside the box, but his curling finish was kept out by the crossbar.

The visitors created a couple more chances either side of the half-hour mark, with Johnny Russell cutting inside before forcing a save from Dorus de Vries, while Cyrus Christie got forward before firing wide moments later.

Derby continued to dictate the play as half time approached, but Jonny Williams chased down the ball for the home side, while De Vries had to stop a free kick.