Derby County have picked up their first win of the season after Chris Martin's brace helped the Rams to victory at Preston North End.
The Lilywhites tried to force a breakthrough in the opening stages, but despite having plenty of possession, a blocked Will Keane strike was as close as they came in the opening quarter of the match.
Bradley Johnson, who joined the Rams in the summer transfer window, almost netted a debut strike as he took aim at Jordan Pickford's goal, only to see his shot deflected over the bar.
County made the breakthrough on 23 minutes after Johnny Russell linked up Martin before the latter slotted past Pickford.
Nine minutes before the interval, Derby increased their lead after a well-taken free kick from Martin curled beyond the reach of the Preston stopper.
In a bid to get his side back into the game, North End boss Simon Grayson introduced new signings Stevie May and Eoin Doyle alongside Joe Garner in a more attacking formation.
After Johnson brought another save out of Pickford at the other end, Grayson's tactical switch almost paid off as Garner's effort was stopped by Lee Grant.
Grant needed to be alert on 72 minutes to keep out May before Doyle had another effort saved soon after.
With 10 minutes left, Garner finally found a way past the Derby stopper, only to see his effort come back off the post.
However, Paul Clement's team did suffer setback in the dying minutes after Chris Baird was stretchered off with a head injury after several minutes of treatment on the pitch.
After a lengthy delay, Daniel Johnson managed to pull a goal back for the Lilywhites in the 13th minute of stoppage time, but his effort proved to be in vain as Derby registered their first league victory since Clement took charge.
Chris O'Keefe
