This historic rivalry is never short of flashpoints, with Sunday’s clash almost guaranteeing talking points.
One new manager sampling his first taste of the East Midlands derby versus one returning veteran who’s taken charge on both sides of the divide. A resurgent Nottingham Forest versus a Derby County side top of the Championship form table. It may not be make or break, but Sunday’s clash at the iPro Stadium could provide either Forest or Derby the momentum, and the belief, to push on this season after dismal starts.
And, to get us in the mood, why not reminisce about some of this historic rivalries’ most memorable moments of recent years? Stand by for last minute winners, dramatic penalty saves and six-goal thrillers.
March 2004: Derby 4-2 Nottingham Forest
The Rams survived relegation into the third tier by just one, single point in 2003/04. Imagine, then, if Marcus Tudgay had not located the back of the Forest net in the closing stages of one of the most thrilling East Midlands derby clashes in many a year.
A double from Paul Peschisolido put George Burley’s side in command, though the visitors’ comeback had Derby nerves jangling until Tudgay, who would later go on to don the red of Forest, netted a vital clincher to help keep The Rams in the division.
November 2008: Derby 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Lee Camp probably felt he had done all he could as he sprang to his right to palm away a penalty from Derby loanee Nacer Barazite with seconds remaining at Pride Park back in 2008. Yet, moments later, the remarkably focused shot-stopper soared to the opposite side of his goal to tip a thumping header around the post from the resulting corner.
In this Pride Park stalemate, Lee Camp was the only winner.
January 2015: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Derby
That’s one way to win a derby. With moments to go at the City Ground, the score locked at one apiece after Britt Assombalonga had cancelled out a Henri Lansbury own goal, young midfielder Ben Osborn approached the box at full pelt before unleashing a thumping drive into the back of The Rams net to spark jubliation on the terraces.
Did we mention that was his first senior goal? Oh, and the fact he was released by Derby in his childhood days?
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