Kazim-Richards strikes late to salvage a point for Derby against Forest

Colin Kazim-Richards confirmed his role as Wayne Rooney’s key man as he pounced late with a wonderful goal for Derby County win a point and snatch the bragging rights from their neighbours Nottingham Forest.

East Midlands derby was as passionate as you’d expect it to be. A hugely important fixture for both sets of fans provided plenty of fire early on with the hosts enjoying better opportunities.

But it was Nottingham Forest who drew first blood through James Garner. The Manchester United youngster on loan at Forest fired in with his left foot from just inside the area to give the visitors the lead against the run of play.

Derby, led by their young manager Wayne Rooney, were looking to play neat one-touch passes in midfield. It’s the approach that provided them with momentum early on, but after the opening goal, they found that the Reds were starting to prevent them from exchanging passes freely.

Derby’s much-travelled striker Colin Kazim-Richards put himself about as he tried to disrupt Chris Hughton’s defenders with his powerful presence, but despite all their efforts, the Rams couldn’t force an equalizer before the break.

Rooney’s side struggled to get a foothold in the game and looked like surrendering the Nigel Clough Trophy to their bitter rivals, but their pride was salvaged by a terrific strike from Kazim-Richards. Nottingham’s defenders failed to clear their lines and Kazim-Richards took full advantage to chest it down and unleash an unstoppable curling effort beyond goalkeeper Brice Samba and into the far corner.

Brian Clough Trophy is up for grabs

The hosts even had a chance to claim a dramatic winner, but Lee Gregory fired just wide from a good position. The match was a perfect reflection of the teams’ rivalry – it was even, passionately contested and it’s a real shame the fans couldn’t witness this one in person.

The draw leaves both teams safe above the relegation zone, which is particularly encouraging for the hosts who looked like one of the candidates to go down not so long ago.

EFL Championship - 33rd round

Friday

Derby County - Nottingham Forest 1-1 (0-1)

/Kazim-Richards 84 – Garner 33/

Saturday

15.30: Bournemouth - Watford

18.00: Barnsley - Millwall

18.00: Birmingham City - Queens Park Rangers

18.00: Blackburn Rovers - Coventry City

18.00: Brentford - Stoke City

18.00: Luton Town - Sheffield Wednesday

18.00: Middlesbrough - Cardiff City

18.00: Preston North End - Huddersfield Town

18.00: Rotherham United - Reading

18.00: Swansea City - Bristol City

Sunday

15.00: Wycombe Wanderers - Norwich City