Chris Martin has made amends for an early penalty miss by firing Derby County ahead against Bolton Wanderers during an eventful first half at the Reebok Stadium.

There was early drama in the clash as Craig Bryson's tumble in the area earned his side a penalty kick, which Martin stepped up to take, only to be denied by Trotters goalkeeper Andy Lonergan.

Joe Mason proved a handful for the Derby defence in the first period, and he almost broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when he latched onto a pass from Lee Chung-Yong and forced Derby stopper Lee Grant into a save at his near post.

Martin made up for his penalty miss seven minutes before the break when he gave the Rams the lead, turning in Cyrus Christie's cross from inside the six-yard box to leave the hosts with it all to do.