Derby County came back from two goals behind with five minutes left to secure a draw against Reading thanks to Curtis Davies’ 91st-minute equaliser.
Reading had taken the lead thanks to a spectacular goal from Junior Hoilett. Who then doubled the Royals’ lead early in the second half.
Derby County, on the other hand, increased the pressure in the last half-hour. And replacement Colin Kazim-Richards pulled one back late on to set up a tense finish.
The bottom-of-the-table Rams’ undefeated run was extended to four games. When centre-back Davies went home in the opening minute of injury time to square the scores.
With the draw, they are now 11 points behind Reading, who are narrowly above the relegation zone in 21st position.
Up-for-sale Derby County entered the game on a winning streak that belied their position at the bottom of the table. Having won their past three games in December.
Derby County had to do without manager Wayne Rooney on the touchline at the SCL Stadium. As they attempted to pull off one of the most stunning relegation escapes following a 21-point deduction.
Reading, on the other hand, had had all three of its Christmas fixtures called off. Due to Covid-19 instances and hadn’t played since the 11th of December.
The hosts got off to a brighter start, and Andy Carroll missed a fantastic opportunity to put them ahead after 17 minutes. After a hamstring injury, John Swift has returned to the squad.
How did Derby make the comeback come to life?
Carroll headed a superbly weighted cross towards the inside post, but Derby County goalkeeper Ryan Allsopp dove down to paw the ball away. Luke Southwood was forced to make a stop after teen Luke Plange’s strike was the Rams’ sole attempt on target.
There were few clear-cut chances in the first 45 minutes before Hoilett broke the stalemate impressively.
Southwood sent the ball downfield to Carroll, who handed it to Hoilett with a nod. The right-footed shot from the winger soared past Allsopp and into the top-right corner.
Following a hamstring injury, Hoilett was making his first start for the Royals since scoring in the win over Cardiff on October 2nd. He made it 2-0 not long after the restart, hitting a free-kick through Derby goalkeeper Allsopp’s knees.
Derby County is hopeful now to make past this season out of the relegation battle.
For more updates, follow us on Twitter.
