POINT OF PHEW Rams’ relief as Martin rescues last-gasp draw

CHRIS MARTIN conjured up a last-gasp Rams-raid on neighbours Forest to earn a hardly deserved point.

With the six minutes of added time up, trailing 1-0 and seeing Martyn Waghorn red-carded for a crazy foot-led high lunge on Ryan Yates just moments earlier, Derby looked dead and buried.

But when Forest defender Joe Worrall conceded a needless free-kick, Wayne Rooney curled the ball into the box, keeper Brice Samba flapped at it, and George Evans pulled the ball back for Martin to bundle goalwards.

To Derby’s delight, despite his effort being scrambled clear, ref Darren England confirmed the ball had crossed the line.

Martin said: “This could be a massive point. What it has also done is maintain our momentum.”

That appeared to be somewhat lost in this ‘Brian Clough’ derby. No fans, but plenty at stake with both clubs scenting a long-awaited return to the Premier League.

Derby boss Phillip Cocu said: “Big point? Yes it was. It was a tough game and we knew it would be. The moment we conceded the goal we knew it would be much harder.

“They are one of the bestorganised teams in the league.”

Derby fell behind on 12 minutes, allowing Joe Lolley enough time and space to fire past Ben Hamer from 25 yards.

The hosts might have bossed the first-half possession but there was little spark and Forest carried the greater threat, Matty Cash’s free-kick punched clear by Hamer.

Forest, who at least extended their unbeaten run against their east Midlands rivals to six games, should have added more goals.

Ben Watson and Lolley went close and Tiago Silva hit a post. Manager Sabri Lamouchi, who suffered a sore throat and left media duties to assistant Bruno Baltazar, looked to the heavens when Lewis Grabban fired over from close range.

What his thoughts were when Martin ended a run of 992 days without Derby scoring against the old enemy is anyone’s guess.

Forest look the better bet to make it to the promised land, although Derby could

DERBY take some solace, despite seeing a fivegame winning run come to an end.

Lamouchi said: “We should have scored a second goal to put the game out of sight. At times it was as close to perfection as you can get, but when you miss chances this is what can happen.”

Cocu, who will now be without Waghorn for three games, said: “He went over the ball. You have to be careful.

“Missing him makes our challenge for promotion harder.”

N FOREST