Goals from Lewis Grabban and Brennan Johnson secured a brilliant 2-1 win for Nottingham Forest over arch-rivals Derby County, leaving the City Ground rocking.
It made it back-to-back league victories for Steve Cooper’s side as they had the better of an entertaining lunchtime showdown.
A packed-to-the-rafters City Ground was in great voice beforehand, accompanied by a terrific pre-match display from supporters’ group Forza Garibaldi in the Trent End.
On the pitch, though, it was a slow start from the hosts.
It took them a while to get going, although a tactical tweak - switching from a four-man defence to three at the back - with 20 minutes gone, did help.
However, the Rams looked the sharper in the opening exchanges, and they could have taken the lead with 16 minutes gone.
Forest were left breathing a sigh of relief when Tom Lawrence rolled the ball narrowly wide of the post after neat link-up play with Colin Kazim-Richards.
But the Reds did begin to come into the match more following the change in formation.
Ryan Yates, who had started off at the back before moving into midfield, worked Ryan Allsop with 23 minutes gone, having a go from the edge of the area after being teed up by Keinan Davis.
The latter then almost had a glimpse of goal when he looked to latch on to Jack Colback’s clipped ball forward. Davis went to challenge for it with the Rams keeper, but ended up on the floor.
The Reds were left fuming as referee Tim Robinson waved away any suggestions the front man had been clattered into.
There was no denying Brice Samba took a whack just before the break, though. The shot-stopper was left clutching his face and with a big bump on his forehead, having dived at the feet of Lawrence.
He emerged for the second half with his head bandaged up, and his team almost immediately made it worth his while, taking the lead with 48 minutes on the clock.
A free-kick from James Garner was headed across goal by Scott McKenna, Davis then laid it at the feet of Steve Cook, and when the effort was blocked, Grabban showed excellent composure to finish.
Garner wasn’t too far away from doubling the lead, whistling a free-kick wide with little more than 20 minutes to go.
But Johnson did get the second in the 82nd minute, finishing off brilliant work from substitute Philip Zinckernagel.
There was still time for Derby to reduce the deficit when Lawrence converted from the spot, following a foul by Cook.
And Ravel Morrison was sent off in the final minutes as Forest sealed a memorable win.
Here’s how Reds reporter Sarah Clapson rated the Forest players at the City Ground.
Brice Samba: Not even a lump the size of a golf ball on his head can stop him. Emerged for the second half bandaged up and to a chant of ‘Samba, Samba, Samba’ from the crowd. A shame there was no clean-sheet to go with it. Rating: 8/10
Ryan Yates: Looked better once he switched into midfield, having started out as part of a three-man defence. Was able to have more of an influence on the game. Rating: 7/10
Steve Cook: Took a little while to settle into the match. Caused problems in the opposition box at set-pieces, including for Grabban’s goal. Prompted a nervy final few minutes with the challenge for Derby’s penalty. Rating: 7/10
Scott McKenna: In true brick-wall mode with an incredible block in the second half. It proved vital, too. Showed a cool head throughout - including for his part in the opener. Rating: 8/10
Djed Spence: So good that Liam Thompson looked like he wanted to swap shirts in the first half, the way he pulled the defender back. Came into his own in the second half. Rating: 8/10
James Garner: A midfield masterclass from the Manchester United loanee. He was everywhere, tracking back when required and showing his full passing range. Absolutely superb. Rating: 9/10
Jack Colback: Looked really up for this one. Battled all afternoon, getting stuck in when required. Once Forest had got over something of a shaky start, he gave them a platform to build from. Rating: 8/10
Max Lowe: Great to see him back in the team after injury. Looked a little rusty at first, but the Reds have a much better balance with him and Spence on either flank. Rating: 7/10
Brennan Johnson: Caused the Rams all sorts of problems once he got into his stride. Link-up play with Spence was brilliant again. Scored a wonderful goal to cap a fine victory. Rating: 8/10
Lewis Grabban: He’s done it again! Third game in a row the Bagsman has found the back of the net. Another ice-cool finish. He’s deadly from that kind of range. Give that man a new contract, pronto! Rating: 8/10
Keinan Davis: Hold-up play was excellent again, and showed a neat touch to play his part in the opener. Looks increasingly comfortable in this team. Rating: 7/10
Subs
Philip Zinckernagel (for Davis, 68mins): Was a real threat while he was on the pitch, constantly running at the Rams. Terrific work for Forest’s second. Rating: 8/10
Lyle Taylor (for Grabban, 84mins): Tried to ruffle a few feathers in the closing minutes. Rating: 7/10
Subs not used: Horvath, Figueiredo, Bong, Cafu, Silva.
