Bolton Wanderers 0-0 Derby County

Derby avoided defeat on the opening day for the seventh consecutive season

Paul Clement took a point from his first game in charge of Derby County as they were held to a goalless draw at 10-man Bolton.

There were few chances in the first half but Johnny Russell's side-footed shot clipped the crossbar for the Rams.

After Chris Martin and Andreas Weimann wasted close-range opportunities, Bolton hit the crossbar three times through Emile Heskey and Gary Madine.

Jay Spearing was dismissed late on, his second booking being for simulation.

Derby, who missed out on the play-offs last season, were disrupted by two injuries inside the first 35 minutes as Jeff Hendrick replaced Craig Bryson and Ryan Shotton came on for Will Hughes.

Despite that, Hendrick set up Russell for a rising shot that ricocheted off the crossbar in the only meaningful effort of the first 45 minutes.

After Thomas Ince's free-kick nearly crept in at the far post, Martin and Weimann could not find the finishing touches to well-worked moves.

Bolton improved and hit the crossbar three times looking for a winner - Madine's two powerful headers and another from former England forward Heskey, who had come on as a substitute.

Having already been booked for a late challenge on Martin, midfielder Spearing was sent off late off for simulation in the opposition penalty area.

Bolton manager Neil Lennon: "I am going to have a word with the groundsman about the size of the crossbar. It looked a foot long in the second half.

"We were very good against an excellent side who are one of the favourites for the title.

"A lot of people thought we were cannon fodder but some of the players put in exceptional performances, and we were unlucky not to have won the game."

Derby head coach Paul Clement: "In the end it was a fair result. We didn't deserve to win but we probably didn't deserve to lose.

"Maybe they will be more disappointed because they hit the woodwork three times in the second half.

"Overall, I enjoyed it. I would have liked us to play better but we have got to be patient. I have only been here for six weeks and it takes time to get across ideas and new ways of playing."

Derby boss Paul Clement greets Bolton counterpart Neil Lennon before the game

Gary Madine (left) joined Bolton in the summer on a free transfer after leaving Sheffield Wednesday

Zach Clough (left) played at the top of a diamond formation for Bolton