Derby County have taken a 2-0 lead into half time of their Championship match against Leicester City this afternoon.

The visitors enjoyed the first chance of the match as Andy King got his head to a cross from the right, but the midfielder could only steer his effort over the bar from 12 yards.

Derby took the lead in the 16th minute when Jamie Ward swung a cross in towards Richard Keogh, who rose highest to nod past Kaspar Schmeichel in the Leicester goal.

The Foxes had a good chance to restore parity in the 24th minute after Jeffrey Hendrick lost the ball in midfield. They worked the ball into the box, but Lloyd Dyer's first-time effort went wide.

Ward and Keogh almost combined again to double Derby's lead one minute later, but this time Keogh couldn't steer his header past Schmeichel.

Leicester responded with a chance of their own as David Nugent found space to shoot from distance, but Frank Fielding got down well to save at his near post.

Derby finished the half on top, and almost extended their lead in the 42nd minute when Ward escaped down the left before crossing to Chris Martin, but he saw his shot saved.

Martin wouldn't have to wait long for a goal, however, as he nodded home Craig Forsyth's cross right on the stroke of half time to give Derby a cushion going into the break.