JACK HAMMER Marriott breaks the Blades

against Sharp, rather than a foul.

Derby then suffered a blow as goal-scoring hero Bryson was hurt by a clash with John Egan.

That forced Lampard to substitute the Scot off and bring on Tom Lawrence, leading to a tweak in formation.

Lawrence took up the wide-left role and the dangerous Wilson moved into a more central position.

United added to Derby’s woes by levelling just before the interval. Basham scored it, touching the ball in from six yards at the far post after John Fleck crossed from the left.

Fleck was unstoppable in the build-up to the goal as he surged beyond a cluster of Derby defenders before producing his killer ball.

There was yet more frustration for the Rams as they failed to make a period of pressure pay off before the break.

The best chance in that spell fell to Martyn Waghorn, who headed wide from close range, after Craig Forsyth’s cross. Derby carried on where they left off after the interval, applying pressure, with Lawrence forcing keeper Dean Henderson to tip over. Lawrence was starting to make a nuisance of himself and sent another drive fizzing just wide. The game had become far scrappier, compared to the first half. But Lampard’s men did not let their heads drop and reward was to arrive. Forsyth delivered the moment of quality that Derby needed though with a fine cross that Marriott (left) met with a smart flick.