Ooof. Fulham fans endure a bizarre, nervous moment, as keeper Marcus Bettinelli's clearance hits Derby's Tom Lawrence closing it down.

But thankfully for the visitors, it bounces across the box and there's nobody in the middle to take advantage for the Rams.

Image source, Getty Images

Fulham resume possession again, stroking it around patiently.

Derby look happy to try to contain the visitors and look to catch them out on the counter.

Derby get the game started again. Neither side made any changes at the break.

The side to finish third in the second tier has won promotion through the play-offs on 10 occasions (34%), more than any other position in the current format of the season-ending competition.

But Fulham have some work to do if they're to reach Wembley. Can they battle back in the second half of this first leg?

The players are heading back out at Pride Park.

Steve Adams: Our (Fulham's) performances towards the back end of the season have been dreadful. Brentford dominated us, Sunderland shouldve beat us, Birmingham did and now Derby are as well... What on earth happened???

Ryan Sessegnon and company have 45 minutes to try to rescue a result from tonight's first leg.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Rex Features

The English Football League play-offs got under way last night and we were treated to a cracking goal.

Jon Nolan's stunning 20-yard half-volley gave Shrewsbury Town a one-goal advantage in their League One semi-final with Charlton Athletic.

You can read my colleague Phil Cartwright's match report here.

Owen Phillips
BBC Sport at Pride Park

It was a slow start by Derby as Fulham knocked the ball around with impressive confidence.

But the home side really did up the tempo and they deserve their lead. The only goal was gloriously constructed and equally well finished by Cameron Jerome.

Ben Edwards: A couple more goals to take it to Craven Cottage will be brilliant #coyr

Get in touch using #bbcefl on social media.

For much of that first half, it was pretty even.

But one moment - a cracking header from Derby striker Cameron Jerome - changed it all.

Derby were jubilant...

Image source, Reuters

Fulham were wondering how they can respond...

Image source, Reuters

A big 45 minutes ahead in this semi-final first leg.

There will be a single minute of added time at the end of this first half.

Derby keeper Scott Carson hasn't really been tested yet, as we approach half-time.

Derby are having a good spell now, putting on some pressure. Can they score again, while they're on top?

Aleksandar Mitrovic shoots on the turn from the edge of the area, but it's straight down Scott Carson's throat.

Owen Phillips
BBC Sport at Pride Park

So much about that goal was down to the guile and awareness of Tom Huddlestone.

Yes, Cameron Jerome's header was an absolute stonker. But it was Huddlestone's clever pass back out wide that changed the focus of the attack and picked out Craig Forsyth who had time to find the perfect cross.

The whole ground was imploring Huddlestone to shoot. He made the right call.

Tom Cairney's shot is blocked on the edge of the Derby area.

The Derby fans are making all the noise now.

Image source, Reuters

That's Cameron Jerome's fifth goal in four games. He's found his best form at the perfect time of the season for the Rams.

Pride Park is bouncing now.

Image source, Rex Features

It's pretty cagey stuff, I have to say. Which of these sides will be the first to take some risks?

Owen Phillips
BBC Sport at Pride Park

Derby boss Gary Rowett took a brief spell out from pacing all around his technical area and waving his side forward, but he's back on the case again. He clearly wants his side to press more and deny Fulham time to pick a pass.

Rowett's counterpart, Slavisa Jokanovic, has barely moved from his mid-point position in his area, but it's about even on the gesticulating front.

Tom Lawrence skips away down the Derby right, but his low ball towards Cameron Jerome in the middle is cut out.

Meanwhile, I'l remind you that the away goals rule does not apply in the play-offs.

The second leg, at Craven Cottage on Monday, could go to extra-time and penalties if needed.