Two goals late in the first half from Thomas Ince and Jeff Hendrick have handed Derby County control of their Championship clash against Bolton Wanderers.
The visitors were the first team to threaten as they won a free kick deep in Derby territory, and Barry Bannan lifted a dangerous cross into the box which was headed onto the crossbar and over by Dorian Dervite.
Hendrick could have done better for the Rams with an opportunity in the 12th minute as he pounced on a poor clearance from the Bolton defence, but he was unable to hit the target with his drive from 20 yards.
The home side took the lead when they won a free kick 20 yards from goal. Debutant Ince stood over the set piece and fired a strike with his left foot into the top corner, leaving Andy Lonergan with no chance.
Steve McClaren's men doubled their advantage on the stroke of half time as Hendrick powered a low effort into the bottom corner, finishing a sublime team move from the Rams to put them 2-0 up.
Simon Sinclair
