Derby Held In Six-goal Thriller

Derby missed the chance to go top of the Championship as they battled from two goals down to draw at struggling Rotherham.

Midfielder Paul Green scored against his former club to put the Millers ahead from close range before Tom Ince curled in a fine equaliser.

Goals from Richie Smallwood and Matt Derbyshire put the hosts 3-1 up.

But Ince added his second before Darren Bent tucked the ball home after good work from winger Jesse Lingard.

It was Bent's sixth goal in as many matches since joining the Rams on loan from Aston Villa.

Steve McClaren's side would have moved above Championship leaders Bournemouth with victory, while the 20th-placed Millers are battling to avoid an instant return to League One.

When Smallwood whipped in a free-kick and Derbyshire sent a low shot under Lee Grant within five second-half minutes, Derby looked to be heading for defeat.

But Ince dragged the Rams back into the match when he capped a counter-attack by converting from Craig Forsyth's cross for his fourth goal in three matches.

Bent made sure McClaren's team did not leave empty-handed when he scored from close range with seven minutes left.

They remain second, behind Bournemouth on goal difference.

Derby boss Steve McClaren:
“That could turn out to be one of the most valuable points we get.

“Not just the point, not losing, but the manner in which we came back in the last half hour.”

Rotherham boss Steve Evans:
“What an advert for Rotherham United being (in) the Championship.

“There's tinges of great disappointment being 3-1 up. We got a point but we have come across the best team and manager in the division.”

BBC SPORTS