Nottingham Forest claimed bragging rights from the East Midlands derby, running out 1-0 victors over Derby County at the City Ground.
Yohan Benalouane struck after 74 seconds to regain the Brian Clough Trophy for the Reds.
It was the first win in nearly four years for Forest over their fierce rivals and it was a night to remember on Trentside.
Joe Lolley was particularly impressive.
(Photo by Jon Hobley/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The 26-year-old has looked back to his best since penning a new contract with Forest, as confirmed on the official website, earlier this month.
Last night he came up against Premier League great Ashley Cole and it was a night to forget for the ex-Chelsea man.
Lolley was at his blistering best and on another night he might have left the field with two goals to his name.
His commitment and work rate gave the Derby defenders a torrid time and the former Huddersfield man looks to be enjoying his football once more.
The atmosphere at the City Ground was the best it has been for a while and the fans seem to be buying into what Martin O’Neill is trying to do.
Following the contest, Lolley took to Twitter to praise the atmosphere, saying:
What an atmosphere, absolutely loved it! Get in 🌲♥️
— Joe Lolley (@JLolley23) February 25, 2019
Forest fans were quick to offer Lolley their thoughts on his energetic display and we rounded up the best Tweets regarding the Reds winger…
— Markscholes (@Markscholes05) February 25, 2019
Brilliant team performance.
— Jazz (@rambler82) February 26, 2019
Great performance from you and the lads, GET INNN🔴👏
— Katie ✨ (@KatieNeale22) February 25, 2019
Best player in the championship you beautiful man
— Jack 🏴 (@EnglishPulisic) February 25, 2019
Awesome again Joe and everyone else great atmosphere glad you enjoyed it
— scott dalby (@nffcscotty) February 25, 2019
Best winger we’ve had since Andy Reid, oh & thanks for making Ashley Cole retire live on tv 😂
— martyn (@martynbigdog) February 25, 2019
Lionel Messi has posters of you on his wall
— Jamie (@JamieFA98) February 25, 2019
Don’t you dare leave Joe! You’re adored here!
— James Robinson (@RobinsonJamesr) February 26, 2019
Magnificent. 👌
— Dave⭐️⭐️ (@dj_zotov) February 25, 2019
Ashley Cole thought he’d played against the best….but there ain’t nobody, like Joe Lolley!! Well played son #SlapTheSheep
— Woody (@Mister_Forest) February 25, 2019
The chosen one retiring Ashley Cole 😂 #nffc
— Dave Ball (@d_p_ball) February 25, 2019
Brilliant once again joe , u all did us proud. FTID coyr much love my reds 😘❤️😘❤️
— Maxine Bates (@maxinecatton) February 26, 2019
Top game tonight pal. You were immense.
— Gray Bolam (@graybforest) February 25, 2019
Embarrassed Ashley Cole on live TV, well done lad x
— Spencer Newnes (@NewnesSpencer) February 25, 2019
