Half-Time Report: Scott Malone gifts Derby County half-time lead

Derby County currently hold a 2-0 half-time lead over home side Cardiff City in the Championship this afternoon, as Steve McClaren and his men look to climb into second spot in the table.

County had the chance to take the lead after nine minutes when City man Matthew Connolly brought down Chris Martin in the box, but the forward was unable to convert the spot kick as Simon Moore made a standout save down low.

The away side did eventually take the lead in the 23rd minute and it came in a rather suspect manner, as Cardiff's Scott Malone somehow managed to divert the ball into his own net having tried to prevent a cross.

Cardiff looked a little frustrated in the first half, as Alex Revell sought to test Lee Grant from range, but the keeper wasn't to be moved.

Derby doubled their lead right on the stroke of half time when Martin made up for his penalty miss with a guided header following Cyrus Christie's cross.