Smart Alex grabs point

FULHAM brought Derby’s winning run to a juddering halt in a thriller at Craven Cottage.

The Rams were chasing an eighth straight victory – and another clean sheet – but needed a 75th-minute equaliser from Alex Pearce to salvage a point.

A pulsating game at Craven Cottage was a step too far for the Rams but manager Steve McLaren was philosophical as he praised his side after their victory streak finally ended.

“What the boys have done for the past seven games has been incredible,” he said.

“To win seven in any division is difficult. To win seven and keep six clean sheets is even harder.

“It had to end sometime and I’m pleased it didn’t end in defeat.

“I’m so proud of the players and the staff. Fulham kept coming at us and we had our backs to the wall. This was the first time during our run we had been behind and the players reacted well and got their reward.

“Our backs were against the wall and I was pleased with the spirit they showed after going 2-1 down. They stayed in the game and deserved the draw.”

It was their second trip to West London in a week and McClaren made three changes from the win over QPR – including handing Craig Bryson his first start since September.

But it was the home side who started the game on the front foot. Tom Cairney curled an