Leon Best came off the bench to rescue a point for Derby County in a 1-1 draw away to fierce Midlands rivals and English Championship leaders Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Britt Assombalonga's 72nd-minute strike put a Forest side managed by City Ground great and former England defender Stuart Pearce on course for victory.

But Best equalised for the Rams, managed by former England boss Steve McClaren, 10 minutes from time.

Derby defender Jake Buxton was sent off late on but Forest couldn't make their man advantage count in the closing stages.

Ten minutes into the match fans of both clubs stood to applaud as they marked the 10th anniversary of the death of Brian Clough.

As Derby manager, Clough led the Rams from the old Second Division to become champions of England and European Cup semi-finalists during his spell in charge between 1967 and 1973.

He achieved even more success at Forest, taking them from the old Second Division to the First Division title and then winning successive European Cups in 1979 and 1980 as well as four League Cups during his 18 years by the River Trent.

After a goalless first half, the match was briefly halted after three supporters got on the pitch.

The incursion seemed to rouse the 30,000 crowd with Michail Antonio setting up Assombalonga, who spun sharply and then struck a powerful shot into the bottom corner from 12 yards out.

Forest keeper Karl Darlow sprinted off his line to deny Best but the substitute was not to be denied.

In the 80th minute, Richard Keogh headed a Craig Bryson free-kick against the bar and the ball bounced down to Ryan Shotton, whose effort looked like it might have crossed the line before Best made sure.

Three minutes from time Buxton was shown red for a foul on Chris Burke after referee Paul Tierney had already blown for a Forest free-kick.