Half-time: Brentford 0 Derby 1

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Championship front-runners Derby controlled the first half at Griffin Park and took a deserved lead through Chris Martin.

The goal came on 27 minutes as left-back Craig Forsyth clipped in a low cross for the sliding Martin to guide into the far corner.

Steve McClaren’s side were lively from the off, with Simon Dawkins firing into the side netting from a tight angle early on, but the Bees defence largely kept them arm’s length.

Brentford mainly played on the break in the first half, with Jota looking their liveliest player.

Andre Gray twice got into good positions but his final pass let him down, while Jon Toral floated a shot high and wide of the far post.

Brentford began playing their usual 4-1-4-1 but switched to 4-2-3-1 before the goal in an attempt to shore up their midfield.

They are without Alan McCormack, who is sidelined for three months following ankle surgery. Moses Odubajo is deputising at right-back, while Toral pipped Alex Pritchard to a starting place. Sam Saunders is in a matchday squad for the first time since January.

Brentford (4-1-4-1): Button, Odubajo, Dean, Craig, Bidwell; Douglas; Jota, Diagouraga, Toral, Judge, Jota; Gray.
Subs: Bonham, Saunders, Dallas, Pritchard, Smith, Tarkowski, Proschwitz.

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