Taylor-made
IT finished honours even in the East Midlands derby as Nottingham Forest came from behind to draw 1-1 with Derby County at the City Ground last night.
Lyle Taylor’s first goal in the Garibaldi ensured his side had something to show for their efforts in an improved second half on the banks of the Trent.
A frustrating first half saw the hosts left with work to do, after their East Midlands rivals took the lead on the half hour.
Lyle Taylor and Sammy Ameobi had both forced saves from Rams keeper David Marshall in the opening 20 minutes, while Ryan Yates had put a stooping header wide.
But Derby had the edge and grew into the game as the half wore on.
A fine diving save from Brice Samba denied Graeme Shinnie from outside the box in the 27th minute but the Reds stopper could do little about Martyn Waghorn’s well-struck free-kick shortly after.
It could have been 2-0 minutes later but Shinnie missed a big chance to double his team’s lead as he was thwarted by Samba.
Yates’ header was a comfortable save for Marshall just before the half-time whistle blew, leaving Forest manager Chris Hughton with plenty to ponder as his starting 4-4-2 formation looked in need of tweaking.
And change break.
Anthony Knockaert came on for his debut, in place of Lewis Grabban, and quickly made an impact.
From his corner, Taylor prodded it he did after the home an equaliser in the 64th minute.
Derby had the ball in the net again heading towards the final 10 minutes but Kamil Jozwiak fell foul of a very late offside flag as his effort was ruled out.
And it meant the two sides shared the spoils at the City Ground.