Rovers suffered a Good Friday defeat after an impressive Derby County side ran out 2-0 winners at The Bolt New Lawn, with goals from James Collins and David McGoldrick securing the win for the Rams.

Derby were gifted the perfect start just 40 seconds in after the ball hit Olly Casey’s arm in the 18-yard-box. Will Finnie pointed to the spot and Collins calmly placed it out of Ross Doohan’s reach.

The visitors pushed for a second goal after a promising corner found Collins, but his headed effort struck the side of the netting.

There were 11 minutes on the clock when Rovers had their first big opportunity. Jordon Garrick was on the end of a low ball into the box but the resulting strike was deflected over the bar.

Things started to look more positive for the hosts when Doohan’s long kick found Kyle McAllister who had made a run behind the Rams backline. Derby 'keeper Joe Wildsmith rushed out, however McAllister’s looped shot travelled just over the bar.

Doohan produced a massive save in the 37th minute when David McGoldrick played Collins in on goal but the unmarked Rams forward was unable to slot home thanks to the Rovers ‘keeper making himself big and sending the shot out for a corner.

The second half got underway and Doohan was quickly called into action when McGoldrick had two efforts from close range saved by the 24-year-old.

Charlie Savage looked to put his mark on the game when he found space to trouble Wildsmith in the Rams net, but the Welshman’s effort was straight at the ‘keeper.

The Rams doubled their lead in the 82nd minute when Brandon Cooper was caught out by McGoldrick. The experienced striker tackled the ball into an empty net, leaving Rovers with a mountain to climb.

FGR travel to Adams Park to face Wycombe Wanderers on Monday.

Attendance: 4,117 (1,225 away)

MOTM: Kyle McAllister