Benalouane’s quick strike sinks Rams

FOOTBALL: Yohan Benalouane picked the perfect time to score his first Nottingham Forest goal as his second-minute strike handed the Reds a 1-0 victory over bitter Championship rivals Derby at the City Ground.

The French defender, sporting a mask to protect a facial injury, scrambled home an early effort that was enough to not only secure bragging rights over the Rams, as well as the Brian Clough Trophy, but also boost their play-off hopes.

Martin O’Neill, savouring his first East Midlands derby as Forest manager, made just the one change, with captain Ben Watson returning in place of Lewis Grabban, who was ruled out with an Achilles injury. Andy King came in for Craig Bryson in Derby’s only alteration from the side that lost 1-0 to Millwall.

Forest enjoyed a blistering opening, taking the lead after barely 70 seconds. Joe Lolley’s inswinging free-kick was headed up into the air by defender Jayden Bogle and, in the ensuing panic, Daryl Murphy headed the ball across to the far post where it was bundled in by Benalouane.

The Rams missed a glorious chance to equalise, Duane Holmes slipping the ball through the Reds’ backline to Martin Waghorn, but as Costel Pantilimon came out to narrow the angle Waghorn curled his effort well wide of the target.

Forest wasted a great opportunity too when Kelle Roos took too heavy a touch in the box.