Jamie Ward's 13th-minute goal has given in-form Derby County a half-time lead against Doncaster Rovers.

The Rams went ahead when leading goalscorer Chris Martin drew two defenders to him and found Ward and the winger tucked the ball home for his seventh goal of the season.

Doncaster, who lost 3-0 at home to Leeds United last weekend, should have fallen further behind when Martin was brought down in the penalty area by Luke McCullough, but the Derby frontman saw his spot kick saved by Ross Turnbull.

The visitors also lost forward Chris Brown midway through the first half through injury as they struggled to make an impact on the Rams defence.

Should Derby win, then it would be their seventh consecutive victory and would pull them closer to the automatic promotion places with Queens Park Rangers losing at home to Leicester City.