Derby County have been dealt a blow in their hopes of claiming an automatic promotion place after being held to a goalless draw against Bolton Wanderers in their Championship match at Pride Park.

Chris Martin came close for the visitors in the opening stages with a low strike from inside the box, but keeper Adam Bogdan saved his attempt.

The visitors worked their brightest opening of the match on the half-hour mark, as Andre Moritz saw his powerful drive beaten away by Lee Grant.

Martin tested Bogdan again minutes later, but the keeper managed to hold on to his close-range strike.

Bolton came close to finding the net just before the break when Neil Danns broke forward before firing a strike just over the bar.

At the start of the second half Craig Bryson tried his luck with an effort from range, but Bogdan kept out his effort.

Derby continued to push for the opening goal and Simon Dawkins drilled in a strike after cutting inside, with the keeper holding on to the attempt.

Despite all their pressure the home side could not make the breakthrough as both sides settled for a point.