Half-Time Report: Jamie Ward gives Derby County slender lead over Birmingham City

Jamie Ward's goal has given Derby County a 1-0 half-time lead over Birmingham City at the iPro Stadium in the Championship this afternoon.

After a cagey opening, Derby made the most of their first chance when Ward pounced on a loose ball inside the six-yard area to finish past Darren Randolph with a little help from the post.

Birmingham might have pulled level in the 22nd minute, but Jonathan Grounds fired wide from the centre of the box following a corner.

County should have gone two ahead just a few moments later, only to see Will Hughes hit the crossbar with a rifled effort from outside of the box after Omar Mascarell's corner.

Steve McClaren's men continued to push for another and they almost found it through Jeff Hendrick, who headed over the bar after some industrious work from Cyrus Christie on the right flank.