Last update on. From the section Championship
Brennan Johnson's first goal as a senior ensured that the East Midlands derby finished 1-1.
Brennan Johnson scored a late equalizer at Derby to ease some pressure on Chris Hughton, the under-fire Nottingham Forest manager.
After a quick counter-attack by the Rams, Craig Forsyth's crossfield pass found Tom Lawrence. Lawrence scored a first-time goal from the box's edge.
Jack Stretton missed a great chance to double his lead when his close-range shot from the Forest line was deflected inches wide at the knee by Scott McKenna, Forest defender.
Johnson won a share in the East Midlands derby with a strong low shot that somehow got past Kelle Roos, Rams goalkeeper.
Hughton maintained his optimism amid the speculation about his Forest future. The Reds saw their first goal when Phil Jagielka's weak back pass was played in Lyle Taylor. Taylor's tame shot allowed Roos to make a good save.
Forsyth might have been able to see red for a stamp against Philip Zinckernagel, but Forest's back-pedalling defense allowed Lawrence to fire into the corner.
The hosts dominated the first half. Lawrence forced Brice Samba to make a smart stop before Forest centre-half Joe Worrall took Forsyth's cross.
After the break, visitors responded well, but they struggled to convert a lot of possession into goals. Wayne Rooney's side had enough chances to win their first victory over fierce rivals in nine attempts, before being beaten back.
Lawrence tested Samba again with a curling shot, before he fell off after an hour of his recovery from injury. Kamil Jozwiak then fired into the sidenetting just before Stretton's near miss.
Forest never tested Roos but, moments after Lewis Grabban's flick passed the post, the Dutch keeper was found guilty of allowing Johnson to leveller.
Sky Sports interviewed Wayne Rooney, Derby County manager:
It was fair, I think. Although Forest didn't create many clear-cut opportunities, they did have the momentum in the second period.
"We had to be more disciplined and keep the ball in our hands because we were putting three or four passes together, which put us in dangerous situations. But we didn't do this well enough in the second period."
(On the first-half penalty appeal: "It was not a possible handball. It was handball. Last season, we had similar problems. We don't seem able to get penalties.
"When it was so obvious one of the four officials must see it and take a decision."
Sky Sports interviewed Chris Hughton, Nottingham Forest manager:
"The squad needs assistance, there's no question about that. It's been a difficult start to the season and a difficult preseason.
"But I hope that the second-half performance that brings us back into the game will provide us with the momentum to keep going.
"Probably because of where we've been, we think this isn't going to be our day again. But I thought it was deserved when we got our breakthrough."
On speculation: "It's something I don't think about." Every day, I try to work as hard as possible to achieve results.
