Oliveira helps Forest silence Rams on troubled night
Nelson Oliveira fired Nottingham Forest to a crucial 1-0 win against local rivals Derby in a Championship clash marred by a pitch invader's brush with Rams star Bradley Johnson on Friday.
Forest boss Dougie Freedman was under severe pressure after eight matches without a win in the English second tier, but his players rallied to see off the Rams in the East Midlands derby at the City Ground.
Forest's first win in front of their own fans since their home opener was sealed by on-loan Oliveira's low strike, which flew in after five minutes via a slight deflection.
But the always-heated rivalry between the clubs boiled over at full-time.
Forest fans poured onto the pitch to celebrate the win and one of the fans made a beeline for Johnson, who was forced to push him away forcefully.
Forest have promised to investigate the incident, which is likely to lead to a fine from the Football Association.
Jamie Ward would have made it worse for his former club was it not for an outstanding save from former England goalkeeper Scott Carson, while Jeff Hendrick's long-range effort clipped the crossbar for Derby.
Paul Clement's visitors were unable to do any better and save their 10-match unbeaten run, tailing off as Forest secured a victory that gives Freedman some much-needed breathing space.