Its going to take a lot more than Derby showed to get anywhere near the top of the League — but that is a discussion for another day — as all that matter is… we didn’t lose!

An average first half in terms of football was shaded by Forest who had far better opportunities from their forays forward as The Rams struggled to find any fluency.

The amount of balls that were given away coupled with bad passes, could fill a report of their own as Derby frustrated their traveling fans. Dawkins in particular looked like a Rabbit caught in headlights - as he continually lost the ball, jogged when gut running was required and instead of attacking when in possession, usually chose to make it another players problem. Not alone - but the worst of a poor half by miles.

The most exciting highlight of the first 45 was applause on 10 minutes to remember the passing of Brian Clough 10 years ago. A special moment - that was not reflected in the football on display.

Cloughie would have especially been displeased with some of the Leeds like biting tackles being dealt out by both teams, which only added to the frustration of a game that could not get out of second gear.

At half time The Rams were lucky to still be on level terms but with neither team taking hold of the match, it was probably a fair result as what had been served up as football did not deserve a goal.

The second half found The Rams making a better run of things as they tried to play some football. Dawkins in particular had been awoken from his first half slumber (or should I say coma!?) while Chris Martin launched a free kick into orbit. Soon after Martin launched a second ball into orbit while on the run.., presumably to shoot the other one down.

Hughes had grown into the game and despite constant attention every time he got the ball - just kept running, presenting and trying to make things happen. Without a lot of midfield support - he once again showed why he has such a large price tag on his head.

Both teams were trying to amp up the tempo but after a trio of pitch invaders were allowed to entertain everyone including the stewards — who seemed uninterested in removing them from the pitch for some time — Forest went ahead courtesy of comical Derby defending.

Assombalonga put in the easiest of goals after The Rams defence fell to pieces leaving him totally unmarked and able to place his shot past a helpless Grant.

Derby had been flat footed for much of the match and many would suggest that taking off Russell for Best hadn’t been the best first move. Bringing on Ibe and Calero after the goal in search of pace and creativity seemed a better plan - shame it took a goal to seek an answer to what seemed an obvious issue for most of the match.

Suddenly the Rams were streaming forward and after a great pass by Hughes, Best was unlucky to have his shot blocked by the Forest keeper.

But Best’s luck was in only minutes later when a free kick from Forsyth found the head of Keogh who’s header hit the bar and deflected back into a mad mix of players. Shotton’s out stretched leg directed the ball back towards goal, with replays showing it crossed the line but was cleared out to Best, who then made sure of it!

Best claimed the goal and frankly no Rams player or fan cared, as after a shabby 80 minutes prior to the goal, Derby were back in the hunt.

Both teams prodded and poked — seemingly worried how much they should attack or defend. Unfortunately for Jake Buxton he defended too much as a silly series of tackles resulted in a second yellow and a red card with only minutes left to play. We only had 10 men again!? No sorry, not this time.

8 minutes of extra time meant 8 nervous minutes for both teams, especially the visiting team who now had a numerical disadvantage.

Forest was the team charging hard, as you felt Derby were just hoping to hang on, and despite a few late scares including a last minute save by Lee Grant, hang on they did.

The Rams saved a point that perhaps they didn’t deserve. But when you are playing your greatest foe — losing is never an option — so you count your lucky stars and take whatever falls your way.

RamZone reporter I.Saw was at the City Ground and will file his report with us for your reading pleasure — that's if he managed to make it past the army of stewards who were waiting to herd Rams fans back from whence they came.

Report, reaction, stats and more — tomorrow on RamZone.

Photo: Action Images

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