Win over Derby fuels promotion push

On this day in 2022 Forest beat Derby 2–1 in the last league derby before promotion.

Rivalry and derby lore

Historic derby series or era

Goal winner Brennan Johnson, pictured 2021. Image: OhNoNotYouAgain, via Wikimedia Commons

Forest beat Derby County 2–1 at the City Ground in a derby that carried far more than local pride.

The first half stayed tight, but Forest took control after the break. Scott McKenna headed James Garner’s free-kick back into the middle, Keinan Davis teed up Steve Cook, and when Cook’s blocked shot fell loose, Lewis Grabban scored from close range. Brennan Johnson then doubled the lead late on, sliding in Philip Zinckernagel’s low cross after Garner had released Zinckernagel down the left.

A late Tom Lawrence penalty made the final minutes more uncomfortable than Forest would have wanted, and Ravel Morrison was sent off in stoppage time, but the home side held on. The result ended Derby’s unbeaten run and gave Forest another important push in a season that was beginning to change shape.

This was also the last league meeting between the rivals before Forest returned to the Premier League.

It was a derby win, a City Ground occasion and another step in the momentum that eventually carried Forest through the play-offs and back to the top flight.