Image source, Rex Features

Things were looking grim for Derby manager Gary Rowett at the break. I have no doubt he was not a happy man when he delivered his teamtalk.

The response has been magnificent. The Rams appear a different side and are looking the more likely scorers of the next goal.

Ryan Nyambe goes close to adding a third for Blackburn when he breaks clear down the right and fires just wide of the far post.

Preston have made their first change in a bid to turn this match around again, with Callum Robinson coming on for Daryl Horgan.

Jordan Smith makes a brilliant one-handed save from Alex Pearce's header from a corner.

That has kept home hopes alive at the City Ground.

A controversial change. Boos ring out around the City Ground as Forest goalscorer Zach Clough is replaced.

Ross McCormack is the man who comes on. Forest fans wanted Clough to stay on.

Forest are pressing but leaving big gaps at the back. There's a balance to be struck here and I am not sure Forest are finding it.

They looked so composed in the first period but are showing early signs of panic now they trail.

Image source, Rex Features

Lucas Joao and Marvin Emnes have caused Preston's defence no end of problems this afternoon, but Emnes is down for treatment after an accidental collision.

It looks like he'll be OK to carry on. Good news for Rovers fans. Bad for North End ones.

Derby are showing no signs on resting on their lead.

David Nugent lays the ball back to Craig Bryson, who finds Bradley Johnson, but the midfielder's curled effort is easily held by home keeper Jordan Smith.

Tom Ince curls a free kick just a fraction over the bar as Derby seek a third goal that may well kill off Forest.

Derby are getting in Forest's faces. This is more like a Gary Rowett side. The commitment and urgency is there for all to see now.

Andrew Aloia
BBC Sport at The City Ground

Derby have taken this second half by storm.

While Gary Rowett's side struggled to produce a meaningful chance before the break, they have been ruthless after the interval.

David Nugent sent the Rams' fans crazy with the header to put Derby ahead. Only groans from the home supporters in response.

What can Forest do in response? They were brave in possession at 1-0 up and looking confident.

But two goals in six minutes for Derby and things look dire for the hosts.

To make matters worse Blackburn are now beating Preston, so Forest will be in the Championship relegation zone if things stay that way.

Image source, Rex Features

Sorry, what was I saying?!

What a huge goal this could be in the context of the Championship relegation battle.

Blackburn winger Elliott Bennett moves into the middle of the park, passes to Marvin Emnes and he slips the ball through to Craig Conway, who slots home.

Preston have not turned up this half.

Wow. It's all change at the City Ground. A long diagonal pass by Bradley Johnson is headed in first time by David Nugent.

The ball goes in off the post and Derby, who were second best before the break, are ahead.

Simple and effective.

While it's getting exciting at the City Ground, rather less is happening in Lancashire.

Preston defender Tom Clarke takes a nasty bang in a collision with Blackburn's Marvin Emnes.

But thankfully he can carry on.

It's been a role reversal at the City Ground. Forest were leading the way in the first period and scored early and now it's Derby who are well on top.

Johnny Russell shoots off target as the visitors threaten again. Matej Vydra is playing centrally and the Rams look like a different side.

Andrew Aloia
BBC Sport at the City Ground

The second half started ever so calmly and the spectators were merely settling in before Matej Vydra slid in to change this game.

A sublime low cross from Johnny Russell to set the Rams man up for the equaliser.

Derby celebrate in front of the travelling fans, who had a great view of that goal.

Super, super start to the second half by Derby. A lovely move, after great work by Johnny Russell and David Nugent, ends with  Matej Vydra sliding in an inviting cross.

Game well and truly on.

Michael Mancienne makes a sound defensive clearance in the early stages. Is that a sign of things to come? 

Derby only managed one shot on target before the break. Mind you, so did Forest.