Half-Time Report: Lewis McGugan fires Sheffield Wednesday in front against Derby County

Lewis McGugan's free kick has given Sheffield Wednesday a 1-0 lead at half time against Derby County in the Championship.

Will Hughes almost got on the end of Simon Dawkins's through ball early on, but Wednesday keeper Kieren Westwood did well to race from his line and thwart the England Under-21 international.

McGugan gave the visitors the lead on 20 minutes when he curled in a free kick from the edge of the box.

The Rams had a great chance to restore parity six minutes later, but Thomas Ince could only strike the woodwork from close range.

Fit-again midfielder George Thorne, who was one of two changes to the Derby side, fired in an ambitious effort from around 30 yards which whistled just wide on the half-hour mark.

Ince went close again when he saw his goal-bound free kick tipped over the bar by Westwood, and the Rams were unfortunate not to make their pressure tell with an equaliser before the half-time whistle.